Newport take title in style
IN THE year of their 70th anniversary, Wooden Spoon Partner Club Newport lifted the Midlands 1 title winning 23 and drawing 1 of their fixtures in a season that saw them lose just two games. They were chased home all the way by Bournville, who will also be promoted following their play-off victory against Kettering, and by Burton-upon-Trent who finished in third spot.
They will make an immediate return to National 3 (Midlands) which will be re-titled Midlands Premier Division for the 2017/18 season. It is a tremendous achievement for the Shropshire club in rising to Level 5 of the game in England, leaving only 76 teams in the whole country who are officially ranked above them from a total of 1,809 clubs.
There are many city-based clubs in this division with greater resources so to rise up the ladder this far clearly demonstrates the quality of the leadership and coaching available at the club. The players have responded magnificently and remain ambitious they have already targeted a top 4 place which would represent the highest placed finishing position in the club’s history if achieved
Their 2nd XV also gained promotion and the whole playing section is backed up by a Mini & Junior section where there are over 350 youngsters registered to play rugby
Their success on and off the field has been recognised countrywide with them also being awarded the Club Mirror “National Rugby Club of the Year” an accolade that is proudly sponsored by BT Sport