On the warmest day this year so far, the champions in waiting, Neath came to rodney Parade expecting to lift the league trophy at full time. Unfortunately for them, Swansea had already won earlier in the day making it mathematically possible for the title to go elsewhere. There was also the small matter of beating the Mighty 'Port first.
On this occasion, the Supporters Trust had signed up a record breaking three mascots to lead out the team. They were eleven year old Shane Cotteril from Undy Rugby Academy, nine year old Harry Cullen from Lliswerry Junior School and eleven year old Sam Galliers from Chepstow High School and Newport High School Old Boys Specials RFC. It was a tense occasion beforehand with the TV cameras rolling. The boys all met up with some of Newports walking wounded and were photographed with David Walsh, Ian Evans and Dan 'The Man' Griffiths. After the warm up, they also had a picture taken with try scoring sensation Mike Poole and back row enforcer, Sam Waldron.
All that remained to be done was to lead out the side with Captain Fantastic, Andy Coombs.
The match was played at a frenetic pace with some quality rugby played by both teams. The game had it all with the lead changing hands more than once. Newport got themselves ahead and in the second half saw a little daylight come between the scorelines, only for Neath to close the gap leaving the scores level at twenty four apiece into the last ten minutes. Newport went ahead again from a penalty and despite a determined attack and penalty opportunity, Neath couldn't bridge the gap.
Our three young heroes should be pretty proud of themselves after doing their bit to inspire such a win for Newport against tough opposition.
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