Newick RFC News Blog

Newick RFC 1st XV travelled down to the Norfolk Arms of Stenning and were edged out 13-3 in a tough game that was played in difficult conditions. Having beaten top of the league East Grinstead II the previous week it was a disappointing result for Newick who were hoping to build upon that. During the early stages of the game Newick were on the back foot as the Norfolk Arms had the better of the opening stages of play enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory but the Newick defence stood firm and managed to keep the home side out. The following a turnover from a ruck Newick managed to break up the field and enter their opponents 22 for the first time and a loss of discipline cost them 3 points as Kevin Byrne slotted over an excellent kick in swirling winds to give Newick a 3-0 lead. From then on the contest remained even for the rest of the half until a poor defensive line in the minute before the break allowed the Norfolk Arms to cross over for the first try of the game, the conversion was missed and at the break the score was 5-3. In the second half Newick were looking for a solid start and they got the opposite when a knock on allowed the home team a scrum on the five meter line which allowed them to cross over to increase the lead to 10-3. Newick put in a strong 2nd half performance and had plenty off ball, creating chances and forcing mistakes from the home team, Kevin Byrne had 2 kicks at goal blown of course before Norfolk Arms wrapped up the 13-3 win with a penalty in the dying stages. Newick’s 2nd xv crashed to a home defeat, also going down 13-3 to Crowborough II in what was again a tough game played in difficult conditions. The 1st XV will hope for better this weekend with them taking on Rye in the Sussex Shield at Newick.