RFU Level 2 Coach Andy Addis set the 1st XV target for the 2012/13 season as promotion from Glos 1 and for the 2nd XV to also gain promotion from Glos Reserves League 4. Both of these objectives were easily met. Success in cup games was an added bonus!

The 1st XV gained promotion to Gloucestershire Premier Division for 2013/14 by leading the Glos 1 league throughout the entire season, scoring 105 points in the league table. They have been unbeaten in 48 games (for over 12 months). The league title was actually clinched on 23 March when the team beat Bishopston RFC 13-7 away at Bristol.

Not to be outdone, the 2nd XV also completed their season with a 100% winning record in Glos Reserves League 4, winning many of their games by massive margins. Manager Lyndon West is hoping that they will be able to play in Glos Reserves League 1 or 2 next season to give the lads more meaningful & tougher opposition - at this time, he is awaiting a reply from Glos RFU.

The coaching team - Andy Addis, Steve John Peter Kingston (Backs Skills) and Ross McMillan (Forwards Skills) did an excellent job throughout the entire season. Both 1st and 2nd XV teams have scrummaged superbly, beating heavier opponents by their skill & strength, and providing a good platform for the pacey backs to run riot.

Beyond all our wildest expectations, the 1st XV not only played at Twickenham but handsomely beat last year's Junior Vase Champions, Baildon RUFC (Yorkshire) who were North & Midlands finalists once again, their 3rd appearance at HQ in the last 3 seasons in the RFU Junior Vase competition. A very large contingent from Newent travelled in 5 coaches to support the team which was very much appreciated by the players & officials. At the post-match lunch, the Baildon captain praised Newent as probably one of the toughest teams they have ever played at this levelof rugby.

The closest game was against Old Richians yet who were well beaten by our 1st XV in the league games, maybe because some of their cup team players had by then left the club after the cup game. Another close game was against St Bernadette's OB (Bristol)in what was probably the worst conditions that either team have ever played in, torrential rain before and throughout the entire game made playing conditions attrocious on a totally waterlogged pitch.
The next game was against champions of Devon & Cornwall, New Cross RFC, and was played in front of a large crowd at Newent Rec. A comfortable win was recorded to make us South West Champions and take the team to the next round against Southern Counties champions, Chesham.
Again, a large number of supporters left Newent to follow the game and we enjoyed a handsome win to make us Southern & South West Counties champions. At their Buckinghamshire home, we were shown great hospitality from Chesham RUFC which was very well received by all; they were a most friendly & welcoming club.
Our next round, meant a 4+ hour journey to play Wymondham RUFC at their Norfolk home in the semi-finals of the National Junior Vase, one step from Twickenham! The team & several officials travelled on Good Friday and stayed overnight at a local hotel - paid for by Vice Presidents and supporters. Another coach travelled to Wymondham early next morning carrying about 50 supporters, to be met at the ground by many others who had made the long journey by car to support the lads.

TO BE CONTINUED

The route to Twickenham-

Gloucestershire Junior Vase
First Round - no game
QF - Old Richians 20-23 Newent
SF - Newent 34-3 Chipping Sodbury
Final - Newent 41-12 Longlevens

South West Counties Junior Vase SF 22 December 2012
New Cross HWO St Just
St Bernadettes Old Boys 10 - 26 Newent

South West Counties Junior Vase Final 02 February 2013
Newent 33 - 10 New Cross

Southern Counties & South West Junior Vase Final 23 February 2013
RFU Junior Vase QF
Chesham 0 - 50 Newent

RFU Junior Vase Semi-finals 30 March 2013
Baildon 15 - 14 Old Yardleians
Wymondham 10 - 29 Newent

RFU Junior Vase Final at Twickenham 04 May 2013
Newent 58 - 29 Baildon