Second in OBB League

This was against their nemesis of 12 Years, and county league champions without a break since under 13. The last few league games between the sides have consistently been tense affairs with Newbury coming away winners, despite typical Redingensians passion and skill. However, this year it was to be different.

With Ensians start failing to go the required 10 metres and the following Newbury scrum marching the home side backwards, Newbury were quick to the break down and were awarded a penalty 20 yards out in front of the posts, as the kick missed, Ensians had the drop out, then followed a brief period of Newbury control and an unconverted try was the result for the visitors, the signs did not look good at 10 minutes and the home coaches looked nervous.

The coaches and very large home support need not have worried their blood pressure, in fact, they could not have been more wrong, what followed for the next 60 minutes was some of the most highly entertaining Rugby played by two sides both spurred on by pride, Newbury as reigning champions (one quote overheard behind the posts - "Newbury heads never drop" summed up the spirit), and Redingensians as the also rans for 12 years, trying to prove a point! Credit has to go to the referee and the players who ensured a spirited but sporting performance with neither side asking the other to give in any phase, with first half tries from Gosling (cutting through the Newbury defence and counter tackles like a man possessed), Shepherd (finishing a well executed loop under the posts) and the inimitable Davies adding 2 conversions and a penalty, Ensians were in the same position as last season, dominating at half time.

The half time talk was simple, keep playing as you are, but expect Newbury to come at you hard from the whistle, and sure enough they did, throwing everything, including the Kitchen sink at the home team, but what happened next was unbelievable, you had to be there to believe it - Ensians held on, and forced considerable Newbury mistakes, Despite Newburys dominance in the scrum, the Ensians lineout was solid, confident enough to kick away possession, only to steal almost every Newbury set piece line out, ensuring the backs had consistent ball. With confidence growing and training ground defence practice at every breakdown, the result was inevitable, summed up by another Gosling try (the swallow dive still needs to be punished!) taking the final score to 25-5.

Newbury have to be recognised for their total dominance of Berkshire Rugby for so long, the players, coaches and supporters are a credit to their club, but this year, there is a new champion in the county, and whilst they also play in Blue, they are Redingensians one and all.

Man of the match was a struggle, with every squad member playing their part in full either today or in the games leading up to this match, every player celebrated hard, but it was decided that the awards should go to Captain(Dom Gosling) and pack leader(Sam Wilson) for the way that they lead the team around the park.

Onwards and upwards, with the National Cup knockout lined up, next game a friendly against Chinnor (or Esher) next weekend and 1st round of the National Cup at Chippenham on Feb 28, confidence is high.

The final words have to go to the support on the night, Chairman, Director of Rugby, academy players and coaches, youth chairman, 1st,2nd,3rd, 4th & 5th team players, junior & mini coaches and players, parents and friends. To see the club house full on a Friday night, all talking about the quality of rugby and the future of the club - on behalf of the players and coaching teams A HUGE THANK YOU, you know who you are, your support was massive and greatly appreciated.

Pete Gaylor