19 years on from being relegated from the Premiership, Newbridge RFC began life back in the Admiral WRU Premiership with a dominant win over Brecon RFC who finished last season’s Championship West in second place.
Tries from standout player Simon Veall and replacement Luke Morgan accompanied by the boot of full back Robbie Turley saw Newbridge record a 26-19 win over Dale McIntosh’s Brecon side at the Welfare Ground.
Prior to kickoff, there was a minute’s applause for former Chairman of the RFU and Newbridge club captain Derek Morgan who sadly passed away over the summer.
With heavy rain overnight and with the ground being heavy underfoot, there was a lot of kicking to begin proceedings at the Welfare. Just after 9-minutes the visitors had an opportunity to break the deadlock as Newbridge were penalised for not releasing. However, they were unable to convert the penalty as outside-half Jake Newman’s shot went wide.
Brecon were then awarded another penalty as Newbridge second row Jacob Duffy was penalised for a high tackle. After kicking into the hosts 22, the ball was expertly turned over by Newbridge’s captain Stuart Vokes and the ball was cleared to relieve pressure.
The visitors on the 16-minute mark the visitors eventually opened up the scoring after Logan McIntosh crossed over after continuous pressure on the hosts line. Newman added the extras and put Brecon into a 7-0 lead.
Shortly after, the hosts found themselves inside Brecon’s 22 for the first time in the match but miscommunication at the lineout saw the ball get turned over. Then the visitors were penalised for being offside and full back Robbie Turley added the three to open up the scoring for the hosts on the 20-minute mark (3-7).
Just after half an hour, the hosts found themselves again on the attacking threat and after a brilliant play from outside-half Simon Veall who then managed to break through and crossed over for Newbridge’s first try back in the Premiership in 19 years. Turley added the extras and put the hosts three points up at the break.
HT: Newbridge 10-7 Brecon
It didn’t take long for the hosts to extend their lead further as Simon Veall from outside the visitors 22 with an advantage in hand slotted a drop goal to extend the hosts lead to six (13-7).
Prior to the 50-minute mark, Brecon looked to be scoring their second on the outside however great defence from Newbridge out-wide drove Sam Jones into touch. Moments later Brecon’s ill discipline proved costly as referee Andrew Moule penalised the visitors for blocking Simon Veall. From around 45 metres out Robbie Turley added the three points and extended the hosts lead further (16-7).
Moments later Brecon’s Sam Jones eventually crossed over after a brilliant pass from Ryan Davies to reduce the deficit to just four points going into the final quarter. Jake Newman had to rush to add the extras after the ball fell off the tee and after a drop goal attempt the ball went wide (16-12).
The hosts remained in control as replacement Luke Morgan scored Newbridge’s second after breaking through the visitors defence. Robbie Turley remained 100% from the tee as he added the extras to extend his side’s lead to 11 (23-12). Referee Andrew Moule awarded try scorer, Logan McIntosh a yellow card for the visitors and from the resulting penalty Robbie Turley extended the hosts lead further (26-12).
On the 72-minute mark former Dragons player, Jack Dixon made a brilliant break through the hosts defence and put his side in a good attacking position. The hosts were then brought down to 14-men after Jacob Duffy was sent off for slowing the ball down at the breakdown.
With the clock nearly in the red, Brecon kicked into the corner and after a catch a drive the ball was again expertly turned over, but this time around from Gavin McDonnell and then the ball was cleared to relieve pressure.
Now with the clock deep into added time, replacement Brecon’s Geraint Clarke crossed over after a few phases. Newman added the extras to cap off the afternoon’s proceedings at the Welfare Ground (26-19).
Up next for Newbridge is a trip to Llangennech who will be playing their first Premiership match after their game against Bargoed was postponed. For Brecon they welcome The Welsh All Blacks (Neath RFC) to Parc de Pugh.
FT: Newbridge 26-19 Brecon
Words By Harry Tovey
HTSPORTSNEWS 