Newbury Blues head coach Paul Archer overjoyed after dramatic win against Marlborough in South West 1 East

Newbury Blues head coach Paul Archer believes Saturday’s home win over Marlborough had everything a rugby game needed.

Blues recorded a 20-19 victory at Monks Lane in South West 1 East, with Dylan Stewart crossing the try line in the final minute of the game.

It was the first time a crowd returned to Newbury for a competitive game and Archer was delighted his side could get the win.

“It was a really good entertaining spectacle of rugby and played hard, but mostly fair, and the intensity levels were what we’re used to at level 5.

“It was such a fantastic advert for rugby in general because it was a physical game with loads of skill on both sides and it was a tight result.”

Despite scoring inside the first two minutes, Blues were trailing at the break and Archer explained the squad were confident of overturning the defecit.

“We had a good chat at the break and we had a massive amount of belief because no matter what, we were going to play for eachother, support eachother and move in the right way.

“We were fortunate we weren’t further down, but we know we had to take one opportunity and we eventually did that.”

Despite admitting that Newbury weren’t at their best, Archer said that having room for improvement is what a coach hopes for.

“I don’t think we’re under any illusions that we played brilliantly, I don’t think we did and it wasn’t a “vintage Blues performance.

What we did great was that it never felt like there was any panic and it never felt we were reaching for the outcome.

“I was so pleased with the application of the boys and it was almost like a coach’s dream because we had the result, but there is stuff to work on and it gives us areas to improve on.

“We want to keep the focus on the togetherness and the bond and wanting to play for the club and if we do that we should be fine.”

Archer was also quick to praise the support from the crowd at Monks Lane, who got their money’s worth from the entertainment.

“The fans from both sides were brilliant because they created a noise and atmosphere and it shows what we have missed in 18 months.

“The level of support and seeing people out and enjoying competitive rugby again was just fantastic.”