Newmarket Dig Deep For Important Away Win
Newmarket RUFC claimed a gritty 24–21 victory away at Saffron Walden in a fierce, hard fought contest that showcased real determination and resilience from the boys in black.
Walden’s renowned forward power was clear from the start as they looked to dominate the collisions and set-piece. Newmarket’s pack, however, refused to back down, meeting fire with fire and matching the home side’s aggression. The first half was a physical battle littered with big tackles and high intensity, and tensions eventually boiled over when number 8 Dom Hoey saw yellow for retaliating to a dangerous ruck clear out.
Even a man down, Newmarket looked threatening. Noah Wall intercepted a pass in his own half which almost created the game’s first try, but the final offload through the backline slipped just behind Josh Andrews, allowing Walden to recover. Soon after, Robbie House made a trademark break from halfway, only to be stopped meters short by desperate cover tackle and turnover.
Walden made their forward dominance count just before the break, driving over from a lineout to lead 7–0 at half-time.
Momentum Shifts
The second half began much as the first ended, with both sides trading territory and physical blows. Newmarket, however, began to find rhythm and field position. When a Walden player was sent to the bin for a dangerous clear out, the visitors seized control. Fast recycling and quick handling opened the door for Tim Herbert to crash over for a well earned try, converted by Freddie McKibbin to level the score.
Building on that momentum, Newmarket forced another penalty inside kicking range. McKibbin slotted it calmly to give the visitors a 10–7 lead.
The home team rallied and responded through their forwards, battering their way over from close range to edge back in front at 14–10.
Andrews Brilliance Turns The Tide
Newmarket showed real composure from the restart, sticking to their structures and creating opportunities in the wide channels. A well worked move gave Josh Andrews half a gap, and he needed no second invitation, gliding past several defenders to score under the posts. McKibbin’s conversion restored the lead at 17–14.
With confidence building, Newmarket struck again. Crisp passing and quick tempo released Andrews down the flank, and the winger showed his class with another clinical finish. McKibbin’s perfect kicking record continued, extending the advantage to 24–14.
Walden kept the contest alive with a late score of their own, narrowing the gap to three points. The closing stages were tense, with Newmarket pinned deep in their 22, defending wave after wave of attacks. When it mattered most, Tim Herbert who was outstanding all afternoon, produced two crucial turnovers to close out the game as the clock turned red.
A huge away win built on grit, structure, and heart. Newmarket’s pack fronted up to a powerful Walden side, while their backs provided the sharp edge to finish the job.
Full Time: Saffron Walden 21 – 24 Newmarket | Tries: Herbert, Andrews (2) Conversions: McKibbin (3) Penalty: McKibbin
