Sat 29 Nov 2025
Bridgnorth 3-29 Newport
Bridgnorth welcomed Newport to the Edgar Davies Ground and with two
hundred (plus) ex-players having lunch, there was a celebratory mood
at the club. This mood did not last long into the match however, as,
especially in the first half, Bridgnorth fell foul of the referee’s
decisions and a superior opposition in their Shropshire rivals.
Bridgnorth did score in the first half as Elliot Murphy kicked a
well-struck penalty but Newport scored three tries (one converted) to
make the half-time score 3-17. The referee penalised Bridgnorth ten
times in the first half, some decisions to the bewilderment of the
home players and supporters and this did thwart any momentum that the
home side could build.
The second half started better for Bridgnorth, but when Newport scored
another unconverted try in the corner, this gave the visitors the
four-try bonus point. Dan Brough on his return to Bridgnorth came on
as a substitute and Bridgnorth had a period of dominance in the scrum
as they attacked the Newport line, but this was ended when the referee
penalised the home side for their driving. Things went from bad to
worse for Bridgnorth when Loti Molitika received a red card for a high
tackle and Newport took advantage to score a converted try and make
the final score 3-29.
Full credit to Newport, they demonstrated a skilful and varied attack
with an excellent range of passing and movement in their backs and
forwards. This was backed up with a strong defence which kept out the
home side for the whole game. It would not be a surprise to see them
returning to National League Four next season. For Bridgnorth, the
effort of the players could not be faulted and they never stopped
endeavouring to take the game to Newport and this was backed up with
relentless tackling. They visit the league’s bottom club Nuneaton next
Saturday to complete the first half of the league campaign’s fixtures.
