Sat 11 Oct 2025
Newent RFC 37 – 34 Bridgnorth RFC
Bridgnorth RFC made the trip to Gloucestershire for the club’s
first-ever league meeting with Newent RFC and were narrowly beaten in
a thrilling, high-scoring encounter that went right down to the wire.
The visitors handed first senior starts to Malachi Stuffins and Oliver
Rowbery, while captain Jonah Boyce once again led from the front.
Newent kicked off with a deep restart, well returned by full-back Jack
Cole, but the home side soon applied pressure. After sustained phases
and slick handling from their pacy backs, Newent’s left wing crossed
in the corner for the opening try, though the conversion was missed.
Bridgnorth responded in style. Right wing Luke Brough made two
excellent runs, and after the second, Cole dived over in the left
corner. Reece Boughton nailed the touchline conversion to level the
scores. From the restart, Bridgnorth’s forwards took control, and
after Newent were penalised for offside, the visitors kicked to the
corner. From the resulting lineout, Boyce powered over for a try,
again converted by Boughton. Without Newent touching the ball between
the two tries, Bridgnorth suddenly led 5–17. A Bridgnorth penalty soon
extended the lead by three more points, but Newent hit back through
their energetic openside flanker, who capitalised on a loose ball to
score under the posts. Another home try followed from a turnover and
quick counterattack, both converted, swinging the momentum back to
Newent. Bridgnorth, however, regained composure and went into halftime
ahead 19–20 thanks to a Boughton penalty.
The second half began with more open, high-tempo rugby. Newent
regained the lead with a penalty before their left wing again showed
his pace to score from first-phase ball, the touchline conversion
stretching the advantage. Another penalty followed for a high tackle,
putting the hosts ahead 32–20. Newent’s fly-half then orchestrated
another sweeping move that ended with their flanker crossing for an
unconverted try, and at 37–20, the home supporters sensed victory.
Bridgnorth, though, refused to yield. A determined fightback began
when Ed Taylor, making his return, powered over for a converted try
after patient phase play. Substitute Matt Needham joined the fray and
helped maintain attacking momentum, while the back three of Cole,
Brough, and Barham worked tirelessly to counter Newent’s threats.
Despite a yellow card for Boughton following a high tackle, Bridgnorth
stayed in contention. When Newent’s fly-half went off injured and one
of their players was sin-binned, the visitors seized the initiative.
Taylor struck again with a sensational second try, converted by Benji
Ritson, earning Bridgnorth a four-try bonus point and cutting the
deficit to just three points at 37–34. With time running out,
Bridgnorth surged forward in search of the winning score. Excellent
phase play, strong scrummaging, and impact from substitute Aseri “Ace”
Lewasaru kept the home side pinned deep in their half. However, an
untimely knock-on ended the contest, leaving Newent jubilant and
Bridgnorth to reflect on what might have been.
Despite the narrow defeat, Bridgnorth left with two bonus points and
plenty of positives after a spirited comeback from 17 points down.
Next weekend sees Bridgnorth back at The Edgar Davies Ground for a
local derby against Dudley Kingswinford, coinciding with the club’s
Ladies’ Day Lunch featuring a Tina Turner tribute act.
