A STRONG touring team from Newport would bring Bude U-8s rugby season to a close, writes Dave Lincoln.

Bude started strongly, and from the whistle put pressure on the visitors forcing a mistake. A pick up and piercing run from Archie Mould with typical support play by Arthur Souch, finally releasing the ball for Andrew Lawson to show his speed round the defence for the first try.

The restart saw Newport put together a strong passage of attack, but this was matched by relentless tagging by Bude keeping their shape across the pitch and finally forcing a turnover deep in their own half. Guy Lincoln started the move, cutting back inside the defence and offloading to Clara Trowbridge who took the ball over the halfway line. Angus Macdonald picked up the play forcing the defence back and finally passing to Harry Macauley (capt. and Player of the Match) who wrong footed the last line of defence to score Bude's second.

The second half saw Newport come out with renewed vigour and score three quick tries. With Calum Naylor and George Bearns heading up defence with their trademark committed tagging, Bude were soon back on the attack.

A weaving run by Kieran Langman got the MaD's to their usual vocal level (causing dogs and small children to run for cover!) but was stopped short of the line, leaving Charlie Robinson to force his way through and score Bude's third and level the game. Two minutes later Charlie was back over the line, but the try was disallowed due to a foot in touch.

The last play of the game saw Bude soaking up some heavy attack, but a well worked move saw Newport score their fourth try and gain the victory.