NEWENT Rugby Club secured second place in their debut Tribute Western Counties North season with a 23-13 victory over the only side who could have overtaken them in the table.

Form team Bristol Harlequins were soon on the back foot as Newent flew out of the blocks and took the game to them.

Newent skipper Ross Webb kicked a third-minute penalty and then converted after younger brother Tom Webb strolled over on collecting James Dean’s kick over the top.

Charlie Gellert was sin-binned for entering a ruck from the side and Quins skipper Ross Hickery kicked the penalty.

But Dean dived over from the base of a ruck and Ross Webb converted before adding a penalty to put Newent 20-3 ahead.

Quins hit back in the second-half when James Russe-Jones drove over with Hickery converting and kicking a penalty.

But Dean sprinted clear after a kick was charged down to secure victory in the last five minutes with an unconverted effort.

Newent play their final league game at third-from-bottom Bristol Saracens tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Ledbury completed a successful Midlands Three West (South) season in fourth position after beating Pershore 53-25 at home.

Eighth-placed Bromyard beat basement boys Tenbury 13-9 in Midlands Four West (North).