Southwold 16-11 Newmarket
Match report written by Anthony Bohncke
13th September 2014

Southwold played host to Newmarket on Saturday, in their first league game of the 2014-15 to season. Southwold knew that this would be tough opener against the team that was fighting for promotion last season.

Southwold started the game on top and their pre- season fitness and training was starting to shine through. The forwards were carrying the ball forward with intent and purpose. Southwold received a penalty just inside the Newmarket 22 and opted to kick for touch. From a well-rehearsed lineout move from the forwards, Jonny Stephenson was able to scrabble his way to the line and score with just minutes on the clock. 5-0 to Southwold.

This was the perfect start and the team knew they had to build from this and the Southwold team were straight back on the front foot. This lead to Southwold receiving a penalty which was converted to make the score 8-0.

From this Newmarket themselves began to play. Quick plays in their backs opened up space in the Southwold midfield but strong tackling from Ben Balls and Josh Crick stopped Newmarket’s pressure.

However they were able to get the ball wide from one of their plays to score in the corner to make the score 8-5. This didn’t stop the Southwold team though and they were straight on the front foot from the restart and were attacking Newmarket with conviction. Tim O’Connell and Sam Webb carrying the ball forwards for the team to build from. It didn’t take too long before Southwold were in the Newmarket 22 again and from a driving lineout James Hall was able to exposed the openness of blindside to score in the corner to make the score 13-5.

Southwold were now the dominate side and were able to add enough penalty before the break. Half time score: Southwold 16-5 Newmarket.

The second half was a tight and anxious affair with Newmarket having most of possession and territory. In defence for Southwold though Stuart Butler and Adam Smith were make crucial tackles to stop Newmarket. At the breakdown Jonny Stephenson was able to steal ball from the rucks and tackles. From one instance Southwold were able to steal the ball from Newmarket and carry the ball upfront from their own 22 to Newmarket’s 22, great fitness and heart shown by all.

Newmarket were only able to add two penalties to their score: To make the final score 16-11 to Southwold

This was a big win for Southwold and a platform to build on for the rest of the season. The team are happy with win and training this week will be of a focus to make it 2 out of 2 next Saturday at Woodbridge.