Tottonians 59 Newbury 8 – Report

by Richard Isaacs | Nov 17, 2024 | Senior Rugby

Tottonians eased to another comfortable victory, keeping them at the top of the table with nine wins from nine games but there was still plenty to discuss and analyse post the 59-8 success over struggling Newbury.

TOTTONIANS 59 NEWBURY 8
Water Lane, Totton
Saturday 16th November 2024
Regional 2 South Central – match 9

The very basic detail of this game was that Tottonians dominated the game throughout, had sealed an eight try bonus point of the season within 21 minutes but then dropped off with things not quite going our way for a sustained period.

Despite the knock-backs and the high Totts penalty count, which left many scratching their heads – players, coaches and spectators alike – Newbury only scored one try and that came in the 80th minute when a clean sheet for the first time in 18 months was on the cards.

Tottonians blew the former National League side away within the first quarter. Although he described it as a “fluke” in his post match interview (see below), a quite superb catch by Josh Raqio from an attempted clearance, he then went on a weaving, mazy run through the Newbury line, breaking and skipping through tackles and dived in for the opening score with just three minutes on the clock.

Newbury kicked a penalty but it was a mere pitstop in the pattern of play as Totts hit straight back and Cam Flint, playing at number eight, pounced to stretch the lead once more.

It was proving all a bit too easy for the hosts, buoyed by a healthy crowd, many of whom had enjoyed the sold-out pre-match lunch. Some sublime passing opened up the visitors as they were switched hither-and-dither and birthday boy Leo Tongue sauntered over, with Robbie Searle in fine kicking form adding all three conversions.

A strong run from Tom Tully set up Raqio for his second and the bonus point clincher and Robbie, the trusty Totts scoreboard operator was certainly getting concerned that he might need more batteries in his remote as the scoreline stood at 26-3 after just 21 minutes and the hosts rampant.

However, that would be all of the scoring complete for the first half as the referee seemed to find multiple offences in Tottonians’ play, many leaving confused faces aplenty. Newbury were struggling to keep pace with the quickness of the Totts waves of attack and relieved when the official blew and provided them with an escape – even Connor Andrews was sent to the sin-bin on 32 minutes for ‘next man in the bin’ – he was he.

Half-time came at 26-3 and it was a chance to regroup which they did by adding a further five tries in the second period. Josh Raqio completed his hat-trick when he was on the end of some neat handling from Tully and Searle that allowed the ball to be flung wide for the winger to smile for the camera.

Prop-forward Bruno Nascembene became the second player to receive a ten minute rest from the referee but it didn’t stop the flow of the game as first Oli Northover and then Tully broke from the Newbury 22 deep into Totts half but a knock-on spoilt the fun.

Ethan Riley was the next on the scoresheet after Robbie Searle cut through the middle of the Newbury defence and some neat work in the midfield allowing the full-back to record try number six of the afternoon and even the emptying of the bench, with Kevin Raqio, Oli King and the returning Alex Robinson didn’t hold up the flow.

A brilliant break from Tongue from his own 22 should have seen another score but his pass didn’t quite find the on-rushing Robinson but, from the breakdown, it was recycled, the ball when inside and out and Flint was there to post his second.

Robinson did mark his first first XV appearance of the season with a well worked try that allowed him on the inside to go under the posts and when Newbury attempted a cross-field kick to get out of the deepest defence, they were offside and from the resulting scrum, some deliciously quick hands left the visitors wondering where the ball was – it was finally in Oli King’s hands and he ran through at pace to give Totts’ their highest points score since the Reading 100-18 game in September 2023.

The try-conceding clean sheet wasn’t quite completed though as Newbury took one with him right at the death, winger Hart crossing to give their supporters – who might have been pleased to have watched their side for free – something to celebrate.

But the damage had already been well and truly done and the 59-8 victory sealing win number nine of the season and keeps Totts at the top of the table, three points clear of Farnham … our next opponents on 30 November.

However, there was still plenty to consider as the penalty count was 18-5 in Newbury’s favour and two yellow cards as well. Some said it was the best performance of the season – some players came off the park disappointed. Such is the measure of excellent, you would think?

TOTTONIANS POINT SCORERS:
3 tries – Josh Raqio (available to sponsor)
2 tries – Cam Flint (sponsored by TCB Sports Ltd)
1 try – Leo Tongue (sponsored by New Forest Architectural Services)
1 try – Ethan Riley (sponsored by Hausen Homes and Investments)
1 try – Alex Robinson (sponsored by ‘The Hot Totties’)
1 try – Oli King (available to sponsor)
7 conversions – Robbie Searle (available to sponsor)

Hear what player of the match Charlie Quinn and Kevin Raqio had to say at full-time in our exclusive post match video.