Saturday April 20th 2019 • 1:00PM • Joseph "Jay" Kirwin Memorial Rugby Pitch, Fort Adams State Park, Newport RI 02840

Report By Andrew Menton

It was a wet and windy day at Fort Adams and the conditions played a role in how things unfolded in this battle between two of the power houses of New England D2 rugby. The contest was physical, messy, close and unyielding. Newport started strong and took the battle to Mystic scoring early with a try from winger John Perotti to go 5 points ahead and impress their objective on the visiting side. Newport continued with their game plan scoring again just after the 10 minute mark with a great team try finished by Captain Brandon 'Fern' Smith to go 10-0 up but this was a battle of the breakdown and Mystic set their sights on turnover ball. They capitalized on a loose Newport ruck and took the turnover ball through the phases to score in the corner and reduce the margin to just 5 points going into the half.

Both sides clearly took the half time break to asses this close contest and plan for victory. The second half saw Newport with the wind at their backs which they strategically used to control territory and pin Mystic in their own half. The second half continued with at the 5 point margin until Mystic struck to level the score on the 60 minute mark. A yellow card shortly followed for Mystic for a high tackle but the battle was closely contested with both sides going toe to toe until Newport managed to make a quick break and Kyle Marshall finished in the corner. Newport fly half Andrew Menton kicked the conversion into a heavy breeze to ensure Mystic had to get a converted try to tie the game. Newport held Mystic at bay for the remainder and came out victorious.

Halftime Score:

10-5

Full time Score:

17-10

Scorers:

John Perotti - 1 Try

Kyle Marshall - 1 Try

Brandon Smith - 1 Try

Andrew M - 1 Conversion

Coaches Corner:

By Newport Rugby Coach Brian Moore

Just another cold rainy blustery match vs Mystic! Changing at the Hall led to our best start ever! We grabbed a quick 10 point lead into the wind. 10-5 at half but we were held up twice in goal. Lost our way early in second half. Cheap try by Mystic to tie. Tactical kicking and open field tackling placed them under pressure they could not handle. Great 2v1 out wide for the win, super conversion. Fitness and ball retention win the day. Mystic is over, South Shore will be a dog fight!

Check out the photo gallery below showing the action from the Rhode Island Cup. Special thanks to photographer & Newport Rugby player Jonathan Peterson for providing these great shots.