Newton Stewart RFC travelled up to Falkirk last weekend, looking for a marked improvement in form after their opening defeat at the hands of Glasgow Accies. The squad saw the return of experienced campaigners Mark McCornick, Mark Craig and Jack Gaw, all hoping to bolster the team performance. Falkirk’s confidence was high after an emphatic 61-19 opening win over Dumfries, so a tough game was anticipated.
Falkirk RFC 9 – 27 Newton Stewart RFC
Tennents National League Division 2
Saturday 17th September 2022
The game kicked off in perfect conditions as both teams set out their stall early to play fast, attacking rugby. The Reds had most of the early possession but struggled to worry the scoreboard. Falkirk on the other hand took their chances and converted two early penalties to lead 6-0. Newton Stewart were showing plenty of intent as a foray into the opposition 22 saw new boy Thomas Quigley hit a hard line to go over for the first try of the game. The trusty boot of Jack Gaw made the score 6-7. Falkirk hit back almost immediately with another penalty to lead 9-6 to lead at half-time. Newton Stewart lost Dafydd Gwynne at the interval to a shoulder injury and he was replaced by Calum Gaw.
Although behind on the scoreboard, the Reds started the second half with their tails up. From an early attacking lineout Robbie McCornick made a scything break and offloaded to Jamie Smith who showed a clean pair of heels to score in the corner. Newton Stewart were now leading 9-12 and this seemed to spur on the men in red as they continued to attack and cause Falkirk problems.
Following some good forwards build-up Russell Morton found himself in space. The slippery fullback did not need a second invitation to find his way over the whitewash to dot down for Newton Stewart’s third try of the afternoon. With the conversion added and a further penalty by Gaw shortly afterwards, Newton found themselves leading 9-22.
With the result fairly safe, the Reds went in search of the bonus point try. It looked as though they might be beaten by the clock but some sublime handling from Ronan McDonald and Jamie Muir allowed Jack Gaw to offload to a rampaging Thomas MacDonald to score. Final score Falkirk 9 -Newton Stewart 27.
This was a great team performance with a big improvement from the previous game. The backline really showed what they can do with clean quick ball with Robert Service and Russell Morton both showing some nice touches out wide. However, the Craig Wilson Ltd Man of the Match was David Gaw. He controlled the game very well and continues to grow in confidence every time he pulls on the jersey.
This Saturday sees the first home game of the season at Bladnoch Park against newly promoted Lasswade. Kick-off is at 3pm and a strong home support would be much appreciated.
Team: Russell Morton, Robert Service, Jack Gaw, Thomas Quigley, David Adams, David Gaw, Robbie McCornick, Ross Campbell, Thomas MacDonald, Liam Brawls (c), Mark Craig, Ben McMiken, Dafydd Gwynne, Jamie Smith, Mark McCornick. Subs: Calum Gaw, Ronan McDonald, Gregor Gaw, Jamie Muir
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