Newent 2nds clinched the league title and promotion to Premier Division in the most dramatic style, scoring a try with the last play of the game to earn a draw against Cheltenham Saracens thereby overtaking their opponents at the top of the table by the narrowest of margins ( < 1% ).
Newent lead 6-5 after an attritional first half through two penalties from the boot of Tommy Devries to a try from Junior McCaid. The game opened up in the second half which saw plenty of action at both ends of pitch. Matt Williams finished off a flowing attack to nudge Sarries ahead but Newent responded well and worked an overlap for full back Sam Jackson to score in the left hand corner to restore the home team’s lead. Back came Sarries with two penalties from Jake Townsend to make the score 11-16 to the visitors.
Newent were guilty of wasting a couple of golden chances, as white line fever took a hold, and the title looked like it was heading to Cheltenham. But the home side found the resolve to launch one last attack; a strong run from flanker Simeon Daniel took play into the Sarries 22 and quick ball was spun wide for 18 year old Andy Smith to finish very well on the right wing. The failed conversion attempt was the last play of the game, cueing well-earned celebrations for a side who have progressed from Division 4 North to the Premier Division in just four years.

Simon Barker