RUGBY: Newbold beaten by Stoke with last play of game

Ben Dawes goes over the line, with a push from Eddie Allen

PICTURES BY STEVE SMITH

Midlands 1 West

Newbold on Avon 15 Stoke on Trent 18

Before the kick off players from both sides and spectators observed a minute’s silence for John Bram, who played hooker in the 70’s for Newbold and Roy Hall ex club secretary and life member, who both recently passed away and will be sadly missed, writes Phil Fereday.

Tom Dixon secures lineout ball against Stoke

Newbold had first use of the strong wind, earning a penalty for Dan O’Brien 3-0.

All the play continued in Stoke’s half and after a bad clearance kick Manny Sidhu to scored in the corner, 8-0.

With both sides struggling handling the slippery ball, Stoke soon made use of the wind advantage in the second half, pinning Newbold back and two penalties made it 8-6.

Newbold maintained possession and with their hard working back row of Tom Dixon, Kyle Furlong and Sam Thompson making ground. Eddie Allen drove over the line with Ben Dawes scoring, converted to lead 15-6.

James McGill escapes the clutches of Stoke players with support from Ed Scott

Stoke then stormed back and with a yellow card for Newbold, the visitors scored to closed the gap to 15-11.

Still with 14 men Newbold pinned Stoke down on their line but failed to score.

In the last play of the game and in additional time, Stoke slowly made progress towards Newbold’s try line.

Play continued with Newbold conceding penalties and after eight minutes of extra time Stoke scored a try which was converted with the last kick of the game.

This week Newbold visit Stourbridge Lions.