MATCH REPORT: STROUD RUGBY VS NEWENT RFC II's

Match Report by Mark Samak

Stroud ran out at Fromehall for the first time in six weeks, determined to erase the disappointment of last week’s last-minute defeat. Injury, illness and unavailability had hit hard through the week and once again Stroud were forced into many changes in personnel.

A secure take from Stokes gave Stroud early possession and they began in a controlled manner going through a number of phases. Voyce, Debieux and Phillips carried strongly close in whilst Baker was prominent in his early carries in wider channels. This forward momentum earned a number of penalties, which pushed Stroud into the Newent 22. The line-out was functioning much more efficiently than last week with Voyce finding both Stokes and Baldwin regularly to give clean ball to Ashenford. Marsh and Litton were combining well to release the outside backs; Raath in particular had the opportunity to show his strength and speed with a number of powerful bursts up the right wing. Stroud however could not convert their early pressure into points as Newent’s defence held firm.

The distribution of Marsh and Litton regularly stretched the Newent defence and Toon made a name of significant incursions into the line. One of these wider passages of play released Raath, who took play into the 22. Ashenford orchestrated close carries from Debieux and Phillips, which earned Stroud a penalty as Newent transgressed at the ruck. Litton opened the scoring from 30m out. 3-0.

Stroud were very much in control despite only having the three points to their name. Their defensive press stopped Newent from gaining any significant ground and the visitors quite often opted for the box kick as an attacking weapon. Voyce unfortunately had to leave the field with a back injury and was replaced by Davies, who valiantly filled the unfamiliar prop forward role. Stroud were under pressure at the scrum but Phillips regularly secured possession at the base.

Newent did gain a period of possession and territory at the end of the first half after Stroud conceded a penalty and were forced back into their own 22 for the first time. Flanagan as ever chopped down anything that moved and was ably supported by Phillips and Baker in the defensive effort. When Newent looked to move the ball wider, Litton and Wilkes were secure and their line speed forced handling errors that relieved the pressure. Debieux had to leave the field with a leg injury and was replaced by Chamberlain.

Half Time Stroud Rugby 3 Newent 2nd XV 0

Stroud started the second half in the same positive manner with Stokes and Baldwin carrying well in addition to continuing to supply good ball from the lineout. Marsh, Litton and Toon were all using the boot intelligently to pin Newent back and the kick chase awarded Stroud important territorial gains in a tight contest. With scrums now uncontested, Phillips was picking and going and combining well with Ashenford. One pick from Phillips saw the veteran surge 30m up the field before linking well with Flanagan and Leworthy to take play up to half way. A box kick from Ashenford and great chase and tackle from Marsh forced a turnover, which Stroud exploited further with a powerful burst out wide from Wilkes. This forced a penalty however the resultant kick fell short. Stroud were dominating the territory but couldn’t extended their slim advantage. However, there was no panic as Stroud showed patience to work through the phases before 10 minutes from the end, Baker’s clever inside ball to Marsh allowed the fly-half to show his evasive step and acceleration to burst through the defence to score. Litton converted. 10-0.

Newent to their credit continued to press and exerted real pressure on the Stroud line in the last 5 minutes however committed defence from all players ensured the line remained intact as the final whistle blew.

Full Time Stroud Rugby 10 Newent 2nd XV 0

This was a huge confidence boost after the disappointing result last week. Huge commitment in defence and patience in attack were at the core of a fine win against a strong Newent side. Hopefully, the return of players next week will add that competition for places as Stroud continue their league campaign away at Norton RFC next Saturday.