Stags head in the right direction

Newbury Stags' new South West Division - Counties 2 Tribute BBO South season started in impressive fashion with a 27-19 win over local rivals Aldermaston.

The Stags started well, dominating the early scrums – Sam Bramhall, at prop, enjoying an excellent debut.

The home side were rewarded for their good start with the first try of the game 10 minutes in when man-of-the-match Miles Albert broke the line before offloading to John Bastable, who found debutant Ben Brooker to touch down for his first Stags score.

Matt Cox added two further points with his conversion, and the Stags led 7-0.

The hosts continued to press as the first half continued but, for the next 15 minutes, the resolute Aldermaston defence held firm.

The Stags then had some defending to do and, having survived and turned the ball over, Hayden Beal's clearing kick was kept in play by flying winger Max Pocock, who deflected the ball back to Beal who then crossed the white line to score Stags' second try of the match.

Cox's second successful conversion meant Newbury went in 14-0 up at half time.

The second half was a closer affair and Aldermaston would have managed a first score but for a sloppy final pass that went to ground and allowed the Stags to escape.

Soon after, Beal made the most of that reprieve, finding space in midfield before covering 35 yards to score his second – and Newbury's third – try of the match.

Cox converted for the third time, but Aldermaston soon responded with a score of their own, 21-7.

Three more points from the boot of Cox seemed to put the game beyond Aldermaston and, despite a second try from the visitors late on, the Stags held on to claim four points on the opening day.

Newbury travel to Beaconsfield 2nd, who sat out the opening weekend's fixtures, this Saturday, September 10.