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Newick 5 – Cinque Ports Rugby 3
Despite losing to Newick earlier in the season Cinque Ports took the field in a buoyant mood. The match started with Cinque Ports driving Newick back into their own half and gaining a scrum from a knock on. Newick realised that they were in for a hard day at the office when the Cinque Ports pack took control. Good work from the front row of Tony Lawlor, Mark Wright and Bob Earle, and with a strong shove from the second row of Kevin Parker and Tim Gough meant that Newick were dominated. Something they were definitely not expecting.
Good attacking moves from the backs, directed by Paul Smart with good support from Christian Brandt and Chris Eastwood combined to ask serious questions of Newick’s defence. With Robbie Fink and Lloyd Barthropp on the wings adding a speedy option to add to Newick’s woes. The find of the day though was Dale Whittington in the unfamiliar position of full back. The flanker looked as though he was enjoying himself as he ran the ball back at Newick going through tackles as though they were not there. Cinque Ports back row of Dean Dedman, Gary Swift and Craig Barningham were also in a positive frame of mind. At the scrum they gave the tight five the support and grunt that was needed. Craig Barningham made himself unpopular with Newick by going from the back of the scrum supported by Swift and Dedman and pushing the gain line back. Newick quickly became aware that they needed to produce a seriously good effort to counter the rampaging Cinque Ports. They came back hard and the first half was played out in midfield with both sides working very hard with neither gaining complete control. Towards the end of the first half Newick kicked the ball far in to Cinque Ports half and chased. Robbie Fink did his best but couldn’t prevent the chasing players collecting the ball and going over in the corner to score. A few minutes later Gary Swift collected a yellow card for being over enthusiastic after being stamped on while on the floor. The whistle went for the end of the half straight after this.
The second half was all Cinque Ports despite them being one man short for 10 minutes. Newick were held in their half and, to be fair, defended very well and continued to thwart Cinque Ports continuous attacks. It couldn’t last however and Newick conceded a penalty within kicking distance and Captain Paul Smart stroked the ball over for 3 points.
Great work at the ruck by Tony Lawlor and his colleagues, with quick distribution by Chris Eastwood meant that Newick were under pressure the entire half. Newick were reduced to kicking the ball as far as possible to reduce the pressure they were under. However, Cinque Ports couldn’t find the elusive finishing touch to swing the game in their favour, and the score line remained 5 – 3. Two minutes from time Cinque Ports were given a penalty just outside the Newick 22 near the touchline and elected to run the ball at the defence. They got to within five metres of the line before a hand in the ruck gave a penalty to Newick. They gratefully booted the ball in to touch and the game ended.
Overall a powerful performance by Cinque Ports, who showed that they are certainly a force to be reckoned with. Anyone underestimating Cinque Ports are going to have a humbling experience. Everyone gave all they had but there had to be a man of the match and, as ever, this was really hard to decide, but for his dogged determination and his ferocious attitude in the scrum, ruck and maul it went to Tony Lawlor. Special mentions must be made for Dale Whittington for an outstanding debut performance at full back, Chris Eastwood for his control of the forwards and good distribution and finally to Dean Dedman who made crunching tackles all game. The whole team can be proud of themselves and it was a pleasure to watch.
Coach Bill Langley said, “While I am disappointed not to come away with a win, I am proud of every player on the pitch. This was a great performance in a very tough game.”
Team: Lawlor, Wright, Earle, Parker, Gough, Dedman, Swift, Barningham, Eastwood, Smart, Brandt, Fink, Bigg, Barthropp and Whittington.
