Massive victory for the Blues, 61:38

After the stunning victory over Keynsham (standing fourth and just one place above them in the league table) on “Pink Day”, the Newbury Blues drove home an even bigger victory over Cleve (standing third) 61:38.

Fans could only expect a challenging match.  As the end of the rugby season approaches – the Cleve game was the last home game of this season – the visitors have won 16 of their 19 matches, while the Blue have won just 10.  And Cleve meant business, scoring a converted try just two minutes into the first half.

But, if it was a wobbly moment for fans, the Blues’ response was immediate and clear, as they got down to business themselves, demonstrating a level of concentration and competence that the early games of this year’s season lacked.  Just 10 minutes later, the game was under their control and the first of five first half tries was delivered by Lock Joe Davis.  It and all but one were superbly converted by Captain and Fly Half, Dan Thorne.

Cleve very definitely hadn’t given up, scoring another two tries in the first half, so the sides went in 33:19 at the end of the first half.

The pace, accuracy and professional flair of the Blues didn’t slacken in the second half.  The reward was four excellent tries.  But neither did Cleve give up – scoring two tries, one in the very last minute of the game.  And every single one of them converted by the respective teams.  It was, then, impressive play on both sides – just the Blues were better; dare one say, outstanding.

The Newbury Blues are away to Witney on 28^th March and then again to Longlevens on 11^th April.  In between, on Good Friday (3^rd April), there is the memorial Hungerford versus Newbury match at the Triangle Field in Hungerford.  Possibly not the game showing the most accurate adherence to the rules of rugby – but always great fun.  Be there!  Come on you Blues!