By Rhys Owain Jones
Newport were left defeated in the English capital in the latest episode of their pre-season campaign.
The inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru champions were no match for Rosslyn Park, who began their own season with a 36-14 win at Priory Lane.
On an overcast, yet muggy afternoon in south-west London, it took the hosts just four minutes to open the scoring. Scrum-half, Ewan Fenley, found a gap in the fragile defence under the sticks, complemented by an Ed Morgan conversion.
Ten minutes later, some sloppy passing from the B&As led to a fumble in the middle of the park, of which the Roehampton outfit took full advantage. Luke Mehson picked up the loose ball and strolled over for his side’s second, again complemented by a Morgan conversion.
A quick tap-and-go on the half-hour mark and ‘Park’ bagged their third, before Newport’s Jon Morris smashed over to open the visitors’ account after a decent period of territory in the hosts’ half. Harrison James’ successful conversion opened his own personal account too.
Despite the officials unable to confidently award Lloyd Lewis a try before the 40-minute mark, the B&As did manage to close the gap before half-time. James’ cross-kick towards his left wing landed in Morgan Williams’ hands, before Morris dived over for his second of the afternoon. James then duly converted.
HANNER AMSER: Rosslyn Park 19-14 B&As
Despite some promising signs during the final ten minutes of the first half, Newport failed to add to their sole, two-try tally.
Mehson secured his second try within minutes of the restart, before his side capitalised on some more Black and Amber mistakes to see Tom Stanton cruise over under the sticks on 45 minutes.
Following a long period of changes and frustrations from both sides, it took ‘Park’ until the last play of the match to add the final nail in the coffin. George Orchard crossed over in the corner to secure his side’s fifth try of the afternoon and give the visitors a harsh lesson and reality check.
SGÔR TERFYNOL: Rosslyn Park 36-14 B&As
Seren y Gêm: Lucus Welch
Following two more friendlies at Priory Lane, Rosslyn Park begin their National League 1 campaign against Dings Crusaders, who happen to be Newport’s final pre-season opponents on Saturday 30 August.
After that clash in Bristol, attention will turn to the defence of our Super Rygbi Cymru title at home to Llandovery on the weekend of the 12/13/14 September.
Season tickets are available now, which means it’s time to get behind…
Your CITY,
Your COLOURS,
Your CLUB.
#COTP #YmlaenCasnewydd