NEWENT produced one of their most entertaining performances of the season but were edged out 46–40 in a breathless Regional 1 Midlands encounter away at Stourbridge, writes Simon Barker.

Playing at Stourbridge’s impressive Stourton Park 4G facility, the visitors matched their hosts throughout a fast-paced and physical contest which swung repeatedly before the home side finally secured victory late on. Despite the defeat, Newent came away with two bonus points after scoring six tries.

The hosts struck first inside two minutes when winger Mark Harrison finished in the corner, but Newent quickly responded. After Leo Oakey retrieved a loose clearance, Ben Brown raced clear to score beneath the posts, with Doug Long converting to level the match.

Newent then moved ahead when slick handling from a lineout allowed Brown to cross again out wide. Stourbridge replied with a converted try from Fred Morgan to regain the lead, but the visitors continued to attack. Scrum-half Dylan Leney sparked a counter before Joe Warner tapped a quick penalty to sprint through under the posts, restoring Newent’s advantage.

Stourbridge levelled again through Dan Rundle before Brown completed a superb hat-trick from close range after a series of penalties near the line. However, the hosts had the final say of the half as Jack Teague touched down under the posts to make it 26-26 at the break.

The second half remained tight. Teague added his second try early on before Newent struck back with a length-of-the-field effort finished by number eight Josh Lever after a sharp break from Warner.

Stourbridge regained control with further tries from Jolby Beech and Ben Freeman, while Morgan added a crucial late penalty. Newent refused to give in, Ethan Allen powering over for a converted try to set up a tense finish, but the home defence held firm to secure the win.