NEWENT had to overcome the weather and whistle to storm home 46-10 at county rivals Cheltenham in Tribute Western Counties North.

They piled on the points in the final quarter to shake off their injury-hit opponents with a convincing bonus-point victory in cold, wet conditions.

Moments of skill were punctuated by handling errors and frequent stoppages for penalties and injuries as Newent moved level on points with Coney Hill at the top.

Both sides suffered high penalty counts but the hosts were hurt most by the injuries, finishing with only 12 players.

Cheltenham went ahead on five minutes with a penalty but Newent levelled through the boot of Ross Webb.

Scrum-half James Dean got on the end of a quick tap penalty for his side’s opening try.

Webb’s conversion was charged down but he then kicked a penalty and converted wing Dominic Matthews’ try.

They defended well to lead 18-3 at half-time but shipped an interception try and conversion early in the second period.

Newent’s growing scrum dominance helped Dan Bubb-Sacklyn cross by the posts to give Webb an easy conversion.

When scrums were uncontested due to injuries, the visitors secured the bonus point through Gardner with Webb converting again.

Charlie Gellert and Webb added further converted tries for Newent, who host Old Bristolians on Saturday.