Newport 25pts, Pershore 12

THIS had already been a magnificent season without Pershore having to feature in Saturday's one-off play-off match.

To finish second, one point adrift of the Midlands Three West (South) champions in a highly competitive league featuring the likes of Hereford, Barker Butts and Stratford was a tremendous achievement.

When you add to the picture a season of injuries second to none and a relatively small first team squad, then the Piddle Park club have enjoyed a splendid campaign.

As far as Saturday's match went, it was clearly a game of two halves!

With a large crowd supporting Newport, who lost just twice in 22 league games in finishing runners-up in their league, it was the hosts who came out of the blocks at a gallop.

Once again Pershore's defence held tight but, after 20 minutes, Newport's major weapon, the driving maul from the tail of the line-out began to take effect. From five metres out it was unstoppable but the conversion failed.

The game started to be played in the middle of the pitch with no side giving an inch, but then came a calamitous ten minutes for the visitors.

Newport ran from deep and a move, clearly featuring two forward passes, ended with the winger touching down.

A penalty extended the home side's lead then, on the stroke of half-time, once again the driving maul paid dividends and the conversion successful.

Twenty points adrift at half-time, it was always going to be tough for Pershore.

In truth, there was only one team playing rugby in the second half, and that was the visitors who were tremendous, both in ability and attitude.

If the referee had a bit more guts about him then Pershore would have had a penalty try and Newport would have two players sent off!

They did have three players sin-binned for offences including a deliberate trip with the try line beckoning and two for persistently killing the ball close to the line with the impetus with Pershore.

The visitors crossed the line twice from a Kris Bassett touchdown, converted by Robin Haines, and a delightful score from Jem Richardson courtesy of a pick up and dummy.

On the stroke of full time, Newport's first venture into Pershore's half resulted in another catch and drive try to complete the scoring.

Pershore touch judge Fred Cooper deserved a special mention in what has been a busy season - he has officiated at every match this season - home and away.