Berkshire Cup

Newbury B’s versus Reading Baa Bas

Newbury headed into the Berkshire Cup not really knowing the strength of their opposition but certainly fired up for the occasion. They applied pressure from the start with some good line speed from the backs and some great rucking from the forwards. With good ball becoming available the backs began to run the show with some great handling and the opening try from Arham. Not to be out done the forwards began to flex their muscles with Lewis Hayman crashing over for the second try 10 – 0 HT. Second half kicked off with Newbury taking possession from the start. Sam Shearn charging on with support again from Lewis who in return released the pass for Ollie Basham to force his way over. Time for the backs to shine again with tries coming in with 2 from Aiden Clooney, a conversion from Oliver Walker, one from Joe Hayes and a second from Arham 37 – 5 FT.

A fantastic team performance from all, full of commitment and some great tries

Stewart and Kev

Redingensians A's V Newbury A's

Newbury U13 As had a successful start to their Berkshire Cup campaign, winning 15 – 12 against a spirited Redingensians team on Sunday. Newbury enjoyed the vast majority of possession and territory in the first half, but a number of uncharacteristic handling errors meant that the pressure wasn't converted into points. The teams turned round at half time at 5 – 5, with the Newbury points coming from a strong-running Fraser Hart. The second half saw a determined Ensians team start to apply pressure through their powerful pack. Following an unconverted Newbury try from Oli Rhoads, Ensians hit back with a converted try to leave the scores at 12 – 10. The boys reacted brilliantly to this turnaround, soaking up the pressure and making some powerful runs into their opponents' half, with Louis Carnell eventually driving over after a sustained period of pressure. This was a really gutsy performance by all members of the team and will stand them in good stead going into the next round. Ensians named Fraser Hart as their man of the match.

Michael Brader