ON a beautiful spring day Launceston played host to their Celtic cousins.

Newport was probably the biggest side Launceston has faced all season. They were big from one to fifteen and with several players out enabled a few new paces to come in and led by captain George Bone, who was outstanding, the boys played their best rugby of the year.

Holsworthy born Frasier Honey, playing his debut, showed some nice touches, this tough cookie will be one for the future.

Launceston were up for it and started the game much faster and soon had a try by the livewire winger Lloyd Lovell, he seemed to be involved in everything.

The Launceston pack were taking some big hits in a robust encounter but they never took a step backwards and beating the big guys at the ruck George Bone went over for the second try, he put his body where most would fear to tread.

Launceston for a period had to soak up the Newport pressure as they went in search of an answer. Big hits and bodies going everywhere, a loose ball was picked up by Rhys Hughes who intelligently rounded a player and passed the ball to Dom Hoskin who pinned his ears back and ran the length of the field for what proved to be the winning try.

Centre Rhys Hughes, who has been quiet for a while, seems to be enjoying the bigger pitch and is running with purpose and putting people into good running positions along with fellow players Connor Shapland, Max Kelly and Oliver Sluggett. This is an ever improving backline, well done boys.

Well done to all the pack who laid the foundations for the win. Daniel Mitchell played like his shirt was on fire and rightly won man of the match. Having beaten the two best sides in Devon and reaching two finals, winning the Shield at Bournemouth, it's been a good season.

Enjoy your summer lads but never forget the word teamwork. A mention must go to the Newport coaches and players for the entertainment and sportsmanship after the game. It was truly what rugby was all about. Thank you to all the coaches and sideline staff for their help this season. M.S.