Skinner hits a hat-trick for Newport
Pre-season action
AFTER what seems a shorter summer break than ever before, the community game resumed with a myriad of friendlies played across the home nations yesterday.
In Wales, James Shanahan's Blackheath began their preparations with a 40-24 defeat against Newport.
Josh Smart, Jordan Burns, Jake Lloyd and Mike Hoyt were all on target for the side from London, but they were always chasing the scoreline against a home outfit which looked just that little bit sharper.
Kyle Taylor, Iwan Pyrs Jones and Chay Foster-Smith all ran in scores for the Black and Amber, but it was Josh Skinner who stole the limelight, crossing for a sparking hat-trick.
Over in the Channel Islands, Guernsey were comfortable victors against Bracknell.
Jordan Reynold's side showed their National League class from the get-go, opening up a 24-7 at the interval, stepping on the gas in the second half to secure a 50-24 win.
Down on the coast at Hooks Lane, Havant – newly-promoted into the National Leagues after an outstanding year at Regional One – showed their credentials by blowing away Brighton, 59-12.
Harry Carr, Joel Knight, Dylan Read (twice), Jack Philips, Harrison Young and Tom Gwyther were all on the board, scoring at regular intervals against an opposition still finding their feet in this early part of pre-season.
Up in the Midlands, Hinckley made their National League experience count as they eased to an eight-try victory against Burton.
Dale Bowyer, Joe Barnes, David Peck, Andrew Weaver, Mitch Lamb and Josh Leonard were all on point for Chris Campbell's side, with many commentators predicting Campbell's side as being serious contenders for promotion from National Two West.
Down in the southwest, at Shaftesbury Park, Dings Crusaders, Welsh outfit Pontypool and Old Redcliffians met in a three-way showdown.
All three teams enjoyed two 40 minute contests, with the hosts being edged out by Pontypool first up, 25-10.
Dings then beat Old Redcliffians, 35-20, before Pontypool rounded out the afternoon by beating National Two Redcliffians, 20-5.
