By Sam Bradley

Not wanting to compromise their hospitality, Sils arranged for their guests to be looked after at a local venue until the Clubhouse renovations are completed.

As this was the first home game, Sils needed to ensure an early lead and show some determination. Due to the renovations the new team Sils are playing have yet to gel and get in some quality training on a regular basis, but nevertheless they came out strong.
The line held well and Peter Nicholls pushed forward and newcomer Fred Howard playing prop assisted comfortably, but a slack ball gave possession to Newport with Matt Lee firmly bringing up the rear to take his opponent down on the half way line.
Sils showed good defence as lots of spectators on both sides cheered their efforts, but a small indiscretion from Rohan Tompson gave penalty to Newport 7 minutes in.

Passes from Harry Law to Ollie Trace were superb but brief as possession was lost to Newport for line out which they took to the line putting the first try of the afternoon on the board. Scores 8-0 Newport after 13 minutes.

Newport showed stamina as they drove the ball away from Sils, but a momentary lapse in concentration saw Sils take the opportunity but a stumble put the ball back into hands of the opposition, who scored another try 2 minutes later.

From the restart Newport were quick, but failed to keep possession after fumbling which gave away a scrum on the half way line which Sils took control of. Peter Nicholls and Rohan Tompson drove forward, but again lost the ball to Newport who was chased down by Harry Law.

Matt Lee and Christie Mclauren kept Sils pushing forward, but a huge clash saw James Hubbard escorted from the field with suspected broken wrist. As James was taken off to hospital Matt Bacon took his position.

Sils continued to hold Newport in their half but struggled to keep them getting close to the try line, as the ball was pushed forward with great attack from Matt Bacon forcing a scrum in Newport half.

To the contempt of the spectators the scrum collapsed and was re-taken, but Newport turned the scrum for a free ball, kicking up field back into Sils half.

As Newport became a little arrogant, they give away a penalty after unnecessary use of foot and foul play was apparent.
Penalty was taken quickly giving Sils opportunity to keep possession and Matt Bacon held onto the ball hard into his stomach as he was surrounded by Newport.

From a line out Newport got great height and captured the ball, passing to their 8 man who steamed through Sils defenders, but Matt Lee bought him to the ground with a beautifully placed interception.

Sils tried hard to keep pushing but Newport’s experience shone through as a better drilled team, who pushed through to the touchline, bringing scores to 22-0 with only 5 minutes of the first half left.

Both sides appeared to be showing a sign of fatigue as line out was called back twice for not being straight, but Sils got the upper hand and kept possession.

Sils passing through the line was magnificent and fluid, but they still didn’t get that all important first touch before the half time whistle was blown.

As the crowd got ready for the second half, they watched as the whistle was blown and Newport took off like a cheetah, leaving Sils standing at the blocks to put the first try of the second half on the line in the first minute. Sils reacted too late.

Few minutes in and Sils took penalty for holding on after great line out, but poor passing by Newport.
Matt Lee took the ball and ran with protection all around, but Newport’s Fujian powerhouse rumbled his stride bringing him to the floor in a heap, which Newport took full advantage off to score again.

A deliberate knock on was called back and Sils took scrum on the half way line in their own half.
Leaving space behind them Sils got hold of the ball and Ollie Trace ran hard in Newport half putting some pressure on his capture as Newport gave away another penalty.
Some scrappy loose balls followed with possession passing back and forth, but Sils pushed to the line and failed to touchdown as Newport kicked out to everyone’s disappointment.

Tensions rose but were quickly diffused as the game played on, but giving advantage to Newport was not a good call as they battled through Sils defence for another try half way through the second half. Score 41-0 Sils trailing badly.

Peter Nicholls took hold of a great ball and pushed into Newport frontline, passing fluidly and consistently for the first time this game.
A confident Nick Elliot bravely placed the ball down but as the conversion kick was right on the side line, Harry Law missed the target. A great try but short lived as Newport picked up the ball from the restart running straight to the line putting their final try of the afternoon on the board. Score 46-5 with 15 minutes of play left.

Sils battled their way around the field just trying to keep Newport from scoring again, and their defence was brutal but successful, as they picked up the ball from a scrum lost by Newport at the half way line, Nick Powell forced the ball to Alex Winter who in turn spotted Mark Parry open. Mark took hold of the ball and a tremendous rupture from the crowd as Sils placed the ball on the try line in the 40th minute and Harry Law converted.

Not Sils finest hour, but a great finish to an unbalanced game. Final scores 46-12 to Newport.

Sils travel to Worcester this weekend to take on the Wanderers.