Newport Colts v Stafford Colts - 14.4.24

It was a chastening experience for a depleted Colts as they were torn apart by league champions, Newport. It seemed light years away from the reverse fixture early in the season when Stafford led their opponents for 50 minutes before succumbing to this very impressive
Shropshire outfit.
Even before the kick off it did not bode well for the visitors with a few key players missing - including Olly Croft, who broke an ankle playing for the first team the previous day, and try-scoring machine Jack Raine with a shoulder problem.
Newport will be playing in the National Colt Cup Final in a couple of weeks’ time and this seemed no more than a training run out for them. With 10 minutes gone they had already scored four tries, effectively putting the match beyond doubt.
The hosts appeared to take their foot off the gas when making wholesale changes after that opening burst and this saw the visitors apply a period of pressure in the opposing half. It culminated in Stafford’s only score of the game in the 25th minute. The move was orchestrated by scrum half Sam Edwards who took a quick couple of penalties before delivering a peach of a pass to winger James Lynk who flew over in
the corner.
It was to be brief respite with Newport piling on the points to lead 40-5 at half time. And there was to be no let up after the break with the match mercifully brought to a conclusion more than 10 minutes early with the score 69-5.

Coach's Comments
We are speechless! Newport were outstanding. We have had a fantastic season so far regardless of today and the entire squad has filled us with pride all along. We have at least 2 games left and hopefully a final. Leeets Gooooo!