Sat 21 Mar 2026
Newport 31-34 Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth RFC produced a performance of resilience, flair, and composure to overturn previous disappointment and secure a dramatic
34–31 victory over local rivals Newport RUFC in a Shropshire derby that will live long in the memory. Coming into the fixture, Bridgnorth travelled more in hope than expectation after suffering a heavy 29–3 defeat in the reverse encounter back in November. Yet on a fine spring afternoon, with a firm pitch and a lively crowd lining the bank, this contest unfolded as a completely different spectacle - one defined by attacking ambition and relentless momentum swings. The occasion was further marked by Jacob Tomkinson earning his 50th cap, a milestone that would ultimately be celebrated in the most fitting fashion.
Newport began with authority, pinning Bridgnorth deep in their own half and capitalising on early pressure. After forcing territory through penalties, their forwards made no mistake from a five-metre lineout, powering over for the opening try, which was duly converted.
But Bridgnorth’s response was immediate and emphatic. Led by the industrious Adam Ellis, the visitors worked themselves into a dangerous position. A clever cross-field kick from Elliot Murphy found Luke Brough, and after sustained pressure, Charley Wright crashed over. Murphy added the extras to level the scores. The hosts struck back just as quickly, showcasing the incisive running that would trouble Bridgnorth throughout. A break from Newport’s number six carved open the defence, and the supporting scrum-half finished under the posts for a converted try.
Again, Bridgnorth refused to yield. A yellow card for foul play on Benji Ritson offered an opportunity, though it was initially squandered amid a flurry of penalties. The introduction of returning captain Jonah Boyce proved pivotal, injecting energy and control, while Malachi Stuffins’ work at the breakdown began to turn the tide.
Dan Brough’s try in the corner—finished after slick handling and support play—was matched by an outstanding touchline conversion from Murphy. Moments later, Bridgnorth struck again in spectacular fashion:
Murphy fielded a high ball, Luke Brough drove forward, and Dan Robinson cut a devastating line through his former club’s defence to score beneath the posts. With Ritson adding the conversion, Bridgnorth took a 21–14 lead into the break, their attacking intent clearly unsettling the home side.
The second half saw Bridgnorth evolve from entertainers into controllers. With Matt Needham orchestrating play from fly-half, the visitors began to dominate territory and discipline. The forward pack with engine room power by Ed Taylor and Morgan French, asserted themselves at the set-piece, while Stuffins continued his excellent form with another crucial turnover. Ritson extended the lead with a penalty before French’s interception sparked another decisive moment.
Sustained pressure and superb handling, featuring deft touches from Boyce, culminated in Ellis surging over for Bridgnorth’s bonus-point try. Ritson’s conversion stretched the advantage to 34–17, and at that stage, the visitors appeared in full control.
Yet Newport, to their credit, refused to fade. A swift reply from the restart reignited belief, and their dangerous backline began to find space once more. Although Ritson added another penalty to make it 34–19, the hosts launched a stirring comeback, crossing for two further tries, crucially only one converted, to narrow the gap to just three points.
With momentum firmly with Newport and tension rising, Bridgnorth were forced into a period of stern defensive resolve. Errors crept in on both sides, but crucially, Bridgnorth held their nerve when it mattered most. In the closing stages, the visitors delivered the kind of game management that has eluded them at times this season. The forwards kept possession through multiple phases, while Needham’s tactical kicking relieved pressure and pinned Newport back. When the referee signalled the final play, Ritson calmly sent the ball into touch, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and travelling supporters alike.
This was, without question, Bridgnorth’s finest display of the campaign, a complete performance blending attacking flair with second-half control and late-game composure. Discipline also proved decisive, with just two penalties conceded after the interval. For Newport, there was no shortage of quality or endeavour. Their ability to strike quickly and their dangerous running lines kept the contest alive until the very end, and they were worthy recipients of two bonus points, maintaining their strong league position.
For Bridgnorth, however, this was about more than just points. It was about pride, progress, and local bragging rights reclaimed in emphatic fashion. With two league fixtures remaining, the path to avoiding the relegation play-off is now firmly in their hands, and on this evidence, they will approach the run-in with renewed belief. Newent are the only side so far this season to complete the ‘win-double’
against Bridgnorth, the men in black will be keen to maintain this statistic against Stourbridge in the last league game of the season away at Stourton Park.
