Longlevens rounded off their season in extraordinary fashion with a breathless 58–55 victory over Newbury Blues in a match where attacking flair reigned supreme and defences were, at times, optional. In a remarkable contest, both sides crossed for nine tries apiece, but it was the hosts who just managed to edge a truly unforgettable encounter.
The tone was set inside the opening two minutes when Elliot Norwood finished off a sharp break from Matt Smith to give Longlevens an early lead. The Griffins looked in full control during the opening exchanges, but Newbury struck back quickly with an interception try to level the scores at 5–5 before adding another to edge ahead 5–10.
Smith, however, was already beginning to impose himself on the game and responded with a trademark try, stepping past defenders and powering over to restore the lead at 12–10. The momentum continued to swing wildly, with Newbury regaining the advantage through a somewhat controversial score, there appeared to be a hint of crossing in the build-up, but the referee was unmoved, and the visitors led 12–17.
A major turning point followed as Longlevens were reduced to 14 men after influential figure Jed Holman-Jones received a red card. Rather than folding, the Griffins produced arguably their best spell of the match. Matt Fatica crossed for one try, before Dave Edwards twice powered over from catch-and-drive situations to secure three unconverted scores and a 27–17 lead at the break.
The second half began in similar fashion, with debutant and eventual man of the match Euan Williams announcing himself in style with a try, converted by the increasingly impressive young fly-half Ed Glanville, stretching the lead to 34–17. Although Longlevens appeared to be in control, Newbury refused to go away and hit back to close the gap to 34–24.
Williams grabbed his second of the afternoon to push the score to 41–24, but once again Newbury responded, scoring twice in quick succession to bring the game back to a nervy 41–36. Longlevens steadied themselves, with Elliot Parsons crossing to make it 48–36, before Glanville added a crucial penalty to extend the lead to 51–36.
When Matt Smith produced another powerful individual effort to take the score to 58–36, the result looked beyond doubt. However, in keeping with the chaotic nature of the contest, Newbury stormed back in the final five minutes with three late tries to close the gap to just three points at 58–55. Ultimately, time ran out on their comeback, and Longlevens held on to secure a dramatic victory.
It was a fittingly thrilling end to the season and a winning send-off for Director of Rugby Andy Deacon and Team Manager Tom Lovell in their final match. The Griffins finish the campaign in 8th place, perhaps short of their pre-season ambitions, but a commendable effort in what has proven to be a highly competitive league.
.png?v=638048213889410873){kind=link}