NEWENT produced a spirited six-try display in their first home league fixture of the season but suffered a dramatic 49-38 defeat against Launceston in Regional 1 South West.

The Green Army fought back from a 14-point half-time deficit to take a 38-35 lead at the Recreation Ground, only for two late visiting tries to condemn them to a fourth successive league defeat. The result ended Newent's lengthy unbeaten home run, despite an attacking performance that earned them a try bonus point.

Launceston opened the scoring inside two minutes when centre Jack Easton crossed following sustained pressure, with James Tucker converting. Newent immediately demonstrated their determination to compete, however, as Will Hartland broke through the visiting defence for a try which Tom Webb converted.

The home side then moved ahead through second row Danny Bridge, who finished a driving maul after Launceston had conceded a penalty. Webb's conversion made it 14-7, rewarding Newent for a lively response to their opponents' early breakthrough.

Launceston levelled through prop Charlie Short, whose try was converted by Tucker, but the hosts regained the advantage when Joe Warner finished an attack out wide. Webb landed a difficult conversion to put Newent 21-14 ahead.

The visitors then seized control before the interval. Webb was shown a yellow card for an infringement and Short scored his second try as Launceston made the extra man count. Hooker Archie Doidge finished a driving maul before number eight George Harris added another score, with Tucker converting all three to establish a 35-21 half-time lead.

Newent nevertheless emerged for the second half determined to rescue the contest. Warner repeatedly found space in the opposition defence and helped the hosts close the gap with a series of tries, turning a difficult position into a genuine opportunity for an important home victory.

Launceston prop Short was subsequently sent to the sin-bin following a team warning, and Newent capitalised to edge 38-35 ahead. Having trailed by 14 points at the break, the hosts had produced a remarkable turnaround and appeared capable of securing their first league win of the campaign.

However, Launceston's forward power ultimately decided the contest. Replacement Lloyd Duke finished a driving maul to restore the visitors' lead before captain Mitch Hawken crossed from close range to seal victory. Tucker converted both tries, completing a perfect seven successful conversions from seven attempts.

The scoreline was harsh on Newent after an afternoon in which they repeatedly troubled the visiting defence and showed significantly greater attacking fluency. There was no shortage of attacking ambition from the Green Army, whose second-half response briefly raised hopes of a memorable comeback in front of their supporters. Their six tries were enough for a bonus point, although the defensive concessions prevented them from claiming a more substantial reward.

Newent will hope to take encouragement from that improved display when they make the short trip to Lydney for their next league fixture on Saturday, October 24. The local derby provides another opportunity to translate attacking promise into a first victory.