Newport dig deep to win cup thriller
A refusal to lose was the deciding factor as Newport edged a thrilling first County Cup semi-final against Bowring.
The Fishes only led once all night – and that was at the death as they won by just two chalks on St Georges’ bottom green in front of a 100-plus crowd.
But Bowring, winners of the Glynn Hill Trophy in the 2016, will be kicking themselves after wasting a great chance to end Premier League leaders Newport’s double hopes this season.
The Wellington club led by 16 chalks after the first four and still had the same advantage going into the back four on Saturday night, but Newport’s resolve and extra experience just got them over the line.
Relieved young Newport captain Sam Millward admitted: “It was such a good game throughout and I was on edge all through the back four.
“Bowring had a number of games that were well up on the night and we managed to scramble well in them.
“Full credit to Bowring – they a great side and showed they’re no pushovers and are 100 per cent under-achieving in the league.”
County man Josh Bradburn won 21-11 early on but Newport kept it reasonably close as Kevin Keary bowled brilliantly to get 18 off Adam Patrick and Dave Rhodes scrambled 16 from well down to Reece Farr.
Four-time County Merit winner Pete Farmer beat Bowring skipper Rich Lawson 21-6 in the middle but Jack Whitehead’s 21-11 card helped keep the margin the same.
“But Newport are made of stern stuff and battled back by taking the last four winners - Dale Rudrum 14, Pete Cookson 16, Paul Reeves 18 and then Mick Jones, using all his experience, to win 18 and the tie for the Fishes,” said a county association spokesman.
“So Newport will play either Sir John Bayley or Ifton in the final.
“Both teams play this coming Saturday at Old Shrewsbury - and if it is as close or as thrilling as the first semi-final, we are in for a treat.”
And how fitting for Jones that he should be Newport’s last gasp hero in a season that has seen him in and out of the club’s Premier team while Shropshire struggled under his stewardship as a county selector.
Full scores –Bowring 217 Newport 219:
Josh Bradburn 21 Phil Emery 11, Adam Patrick 21 Kevin Keary 18, Ayden Smith 19 Tom Langford 21, Reece Farr 21 Dave Rhodes 16.
Rich Lawson 6 Peter Farmer 21, Ashley Gregory 21 Sam Millward 20, Jack Whitehead 21 Mark Selley 11, David Lloyd 21 Russell Pegram 17.
Roy Bradburn 16 Peter Cookson 21, Martin Gaut 18 Paul Reeves 21, Jack Hill 14 Dale Rudrum 21,Brian Jarvis 18 Mick Jones 21.
