Newbold arrived at Parkfield expecting to face a strong Kenilworth side on a cool but dry day, but faced equally strong Broadstreet due to a fixture miss-communication.
The ever changing 2's lined up in high spirits while fully understanding the e
normity of the task ahead of them. After a strong performance last week but a disappointing finish, skipper Martin Shaw gave an inspirational team talk making it crystal clear what was required.
As expected Broadstreet, peppered with Midlands 1 1st team candidates, came out of the blocks with skill and power catching Newbold on the hope and tallying up a 12-0 score within a few minutes.
An injury for Newbold and a change of personnel saw things settle down and Newbold managed to stem the flow with some strong tackling from Danny Large and Simon Smith, although Broadstreet managed another breakaway try and a penalty to run in a 20-0 halftime score.
Newbold started the better in the second period, winning the scrums and setting up some good ball for the backs. Danny Pope and Anthony Miller stood out in the backs linking up well supported by Matt Dimmock and Damian Gray in the centre.
Unfortunately as Newbold began to make some ground putting the Street forwards under some pressure, Large was yellowed for offside and Smith retired with concussion. Down to 14 with several players out of position, Newbold battled on.
Again the forwards secured the ball to Gray's feet and out to the backs, strong running from Miller and Pope and good support from the forwards saw scrum half Shaw skip over for a deserved converted try.
The visitors scored a 4th in the closing minutes, but overall a very good performance from a changed 2's side against undoubtedly the strongest side in the league. A side that would have expected a cricket score on arriving at Parkfield Road.
First team and Vets reports are in this week's Rugby Advertiser (on sale Thursday, November 20)
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