NEWENT missed out on a spot in the semi-final of the Papa John Community Cup after defeat to Royal Wooton Bassett at The Rec on Saturday.

But it was so close as a try in the closing minutes when a Bassett player was sin-binned would have earned them a losers’ point – as well as a four-try bonus – and set them up for the long trip to Southend in the last four next weekend.

But it was not to be and Newent finished second in the table, a point adrift of the Wiltshire side and ahead of Winchester and Chippenham.

It could be argued that last week’s victory was due to successful kicking and this week’s defeat was due to missed tackling, writes Frank Bowe.

It has to be said however that the visitor’s Mike Clifton was by far the best winger we have seen at the Rec this season.

Being big, powerful and fast he was a difficult man to tackle and probably made the difference between the two teams.

The Newent try scorers were Mason Emery, Dan Fletcher and player coach Will Tanner. Kicker Tom Webb landed two penalties and a conversion.

For more on this game see page 31.