Sports
Newport Falls to Middlesex in 42nd Annual NERFU Cup
A dramatic win (7-5) against Portland sent the Newport rugby team to the semi-final match in this weekend's NERFU cup at Fort Adams. Newport then lost the semi-final match to Middlesex (25-5).
The Newport Rugby Football Club hosted the 42nd annual New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) Cup at Fort Adams State Park this weekend, which marks the tournament's 24th year in Newport.
More than 30 teams across four divisions competed for the cup.
Newport moved on to the semifinals on Saturday after a dramatic first-game win against Portland, but lost to Middlesex during the semi-final match Saturday evening. Middlesex went on to win its division, and will represent New England and Metro New York in the national tournament next week.
In a nail-biter against Portland, Newport’s Warren Caldwell, a police officer from Tiverton, scored a try with less than a minute left on the clock to tie the game. Captain Jude Kerrison completed the conversion which gave the Newport side a two-point advantage to win the game 7-5, which moved Newport to the semifinals against Middlesex.
Newport lost to Middlesex in the semifinals with a a final score of 25-5. Matt Gray, Newport’s hooker and club secretary, said Middlesex is an excellent team and would be a difficult team to beat.
"We have come a long way as a team and have made steady improvements all year. We look forward to try win New Englands in the fall," Gray said.
