Newport keep the pressure on at the top

Newport maintained the pressure at the top of rugby’s Regional One Midlands division with an impressive win on the road.

The promotion hopefuls eased to a 48-14 win at Oxford Harlequins to stay second in the standings, two points behind unbeaten leaders Stourbridge, who are set to check into the Old Showground on November 14 following this weekend’s break in action.

​"It was a very strong performance really, throughout the game,” said director of rugby Steve Dolphin. "It was a really dominant performance and the style and brand of rugby we played was exactly what we've been working on.

"It was a nice change from the game the week before, which was played in horrific conditions. It was a nice dry day, playing on a 4G pitch and we certainly performed.”

George Boughey claimed Newport’s first try and after the hosts had hit back to lead with a converted score, the visitors took charge.

Henry Lockington bagged two tries in quick succession, both converted by Elliot Dolphin to put the visitors 12 points clear.

Oli Bird rounded off the first-half scoring with an unconverted try to make it 24-7.

After the break, Charles Sanders, Thomas Clark, Jack Ingram and Thomas Cowell all touched down with Ingram adding two conversions.

This weekend’s break will give Newport a chance to rest up after a six-week stretch of games.

“We started in pre-season on the July 2 and we've gone all the way through, so yeah, the boys have earned a rest that's for sure,” added Dolphin.

"Then we face Stourbridge and we will expect a heck of a game.”