Hartirdge Match Report

HARTRIDGE (NEWPORT) RFC 30 POINTS BEAUFORT RFC 11 POINTS

Beaufort did give a decent account of themselves in terms of effort and commitment but it wasn't enough to defeat Hartridge who have justly earned themselves a reputation of being the sharpest and best organised outfit in Division 6 (East) . The visitors conceded 4 tries to 1 and in the end struggled to cope with the pace and precision of the Newport side.

However, for the first half hour the sides looked evenly matched without a decisive score although Beaufort had a couple of penalties that narrowly missed the uprights . But the warning signs were there when they struggled to get good quick possession from the set pieces Within 5 minutes of the closing moments of the first half a series of blistering attacks on the flank from the home side exposed weaknesses in what had been a solid Beaufort defence . This resulted in a try wide out . Then from the restart Hartridge launched an attack from a deep field position and caught Beaufort napping to make another touchdown before they could regain their composure . Beaufort struck back from two Dylan Smith penalties to end the first half 10 points to 6 in arrears

Shortly after the break the host side converted two penalties as Beaufort infringed at the breakdown But as the third quarter ended Beaufort took the ball through several phases and rumbled towards the Hartridge line .Scrum half Damon Morris finished it off and drove over for the touchdown to cut the deficit 16 points to 11

But there was no alarm in the home camp. With real electricity in a barrage of attacks they immediately flew at the Beaufort defence which eventually succumbed to leak two further tries and put the game to bed both to end an enthralling encounter

Beaufort can take some comfort from the performance. Lock Mark Heasely had a good game in the loose while Ben Harding made a welcome return to the fold to strengthen the pack. Drafted in for emergency duty at full back Scott Griffiths had a fine match which earned him the accolade of Beaufort's star player on the day

Next week Beaufort are seeking a friendly match away .