Boro tamed at last by Newport’s surge

NEWPORT Salop ended

Peterborough Lions’ perfect record, a final-quarter surge sealing a 42-21 win.

Salop ran in seven tries as the Lions were tamed for the first time this season.

Two first-half tries had given Peterborough the edge with a 14-10 half-time lead but Newport hit back and it was all to play for as the hosts held the slimmest of advantages, 22-21 with 15

minutes to play.

However they ended strongly and three further tries enabled them to take what turned out to be an emphatic victory, moving them above the Lions into second. Birmingham and Solihull Bees replaced Peterborough at the summit as the last remaining unbeaten side, seven tries making it seven wins as Longton were beaten 48-5.

Scores from Andy Weaver, Max Rodman and Zane Raimondi’s double

had the Bees’ bonus point wrapped up by the interval.

Matt Spink and Rodman crossed before Longton belatedly found a try of their own, but Harry O’Brien ensured Bees had the final word.

Scunthorpe scored a last-gasp try to grab a thrilling 27-24 win at

Derby, who had overturned a 20-point deficit to lead late on.

Two first-half tries and a further one after the break put Scunthorpe in control, but George Castledean’s double and a further try plus three conversions put Derby ahead.

A penalty took the lead to four as the clock ticked past 80, but Scunthorpe forced their way over to take the win and a bonus point. Nuneaton’s resurgence continues as they recorded a fourth straight win, hammering winless Old Halesonians 63-0, whilst Lichfield beat Bournville 26-15.

Two early tries gave Lichfield the ascendancy and they never looked back, adding a third try to lead 21-0.

Though Bournville replied with two tries of their own, Lichfield secured all five points late on.

The day’s remaining games saw Bridgnorth claim an exciting 26-22 win away at Doncaster

Phoenix, while Sandbach were comfortable winners, 36-20 at Newbold, holding off a second-half fightback having comfortably led 26-8 at half-time.