Newport win last-gasp but still go down

Newport. led by a four-try salvo from Henry Vaka, produced a stunning comeback from 29-7 down to defeat Nuneaton 33-32, but Sandbach's victory over Bromsgrove sealed their fate.

But the stirring performance should offer some hope for the future after a difficult season.

Newport, who were forced into a number of changes after the previous week's cup victory at Bridgnorth, were slow into their stride.

Nuneaton looked to be cruising to victory but Vaka pounced on a spilled pass to cross from 40 metres to reduce the deficit to 29-12.

Newport then struck again. Declan Hadley, Rich Harris and Kirk Robinson pounded away at the Nuns line.

Ben Branfield made an unlikely break out of defence to set up Vaka for his third. Holder's conversion made it 29-19.

On 76 minutes, Newport produced a turnover in their own 22 and spun it wide where Vaka again made good ground before releasing Holder to score.

Holder converting his own try to make it 29-26. Nuneaton hit back with a penalty to make it 32-26 and leave the visitors needing a converted try to win.

And that's exactly what they did, Vaka scything through to round off a wonderful individual and team performance, with Holder keeping his nerve to slot the decisive conversion to make it 32-33.

Bridgnorth's Midlands One West title charge suffered a slight jolt as they went down 35-13 at Stratford-Upon-Avon.

An All Blacks side depleted by injuries and unavailability had hoped to close in on sealing the championship.

Bridgnorth, who need six points to be crowned champions, now face a big game at home on Saturday against Walsall followed by local rivals Whitchurch and Hereford.

Try-happy Oswestry racked up a 79-5 home win over Isle of Man side Ramsey to keep alive their title chances in the Cheshire South.

It was the perfect response, after a late penalty sentenced the second-placed Eagles to a 23-22 loss at Moore two weeks ago.

Shrewsbury went down 38-28 at relegated Harborne in Midlands 2 West (North).

Ludlow's Midlands Three West North promotion hopes are all but over, despite a fine 47-13 home win over Cannock.

The county side remain third in the table, but victory at Burntwood for second-placed Newcastle virtually sealed their elevation.

Clee Hill's Midlands season is beginning to subside with a series of tough away matches taking their toll.

They went down 35-14 at Edwardians, despite tries for Charlie Evans and George Edwards, both converted by Allan Shields.

But there was success for Cleobury Mortimer, who edged a tight affair at Eccleshall 18-15.

It was agony and ecstasy for Church Stretton in their battle to beat the drop from Midlands Four West North.

Stretton were edged out 17-13 at home to Bromyard, but Aldridge's anticipated loss to title-chasing Uttoxeter – they went down 89-0 – guaranteed them safety.

Second-placed Telford Hornets kept up their promotion charge with a resounding 61-5 success at home to Aston Old Edwardians.

Doomed Market Drayton went down fighting with a 24-12 home victory over Bishop's Castle & Onny Valley.