Newport's Twickers dream dashed

Newport Rugby Club were today licking their wounds after falling at the final hurdle in their quest to reach Twickenham.

The Forton Road men were defeated 34-6 at Chester in the semi-final of the EDF Intermediate Cup, sparking disappointment for players, officials and an excellent travelling support of around 300.

Coach Ginge Wills admitted his team had not performed to their potential in the biggest game in the club's 62-year history.

"The disappointment was in how we played," said the experienced coach.

"We went up there and both myself and the players were extremely confident because we have been playing very well. We started strongly and we were totally dominating. We kicked a penalty and then there was a turnover when we were on the attack and they ran 60 yards to score a try. I have to say that I'm not sure we ever recovered from that.

"I said to the players at half-time that they weren't having to work for the game, we were giving it to them.

"I think the people who watched Newport regularly wouldn't have recognised us because we have not played like that for months.

"It was a big occasion and I think it probably got to a few of the young lads a little bit - they were certainly nervous before the game but they have got good careers ahead of them.

"Credit to Chester though, their defence was awesome. There were long spells when we had the ball but we couldn't find a way through."

Captain Stephen Dolphin admitted there was a huge disappointment in the visiting changing room at missing out on playing at the home of English rugby.

"It is absolutely gutting," he said. "It has been a lifetime dream for all of us and to get that far and have it taken away from you is a bitter pill to swallow.

"We made too many mistakes. We gave away penalty after penalty and for a team in the semi final of a national competition, you can't afford to do it.

"It was a tough game - every time we made a mistake, they executed very well."