Newman hold nerve against CASI
Newman took a point from CASI in the Top-12 on Friday night, winning 27:37 at the home of the visitors. The result keeps Newman top of the table with 104 points from 24 games, while CASI remain in second with 86.
It was the sort of game where momentum shifts quickly. And here's the thing — you could see it building in the second period when Newman started to find their rhythm. The hosts had looked sharp in their last outing, beating SIC 18:13, but Newman's experience showed through.
By then we knew what was coming. We had called this one — away win for Newman with 55 per cent confidence. It wasn't a slam dunk prediction, but you look at the form and it makes sense. Both sides were winning, but Newman's record speaks for itself: 23 wins from 24 games, only one defeat all season.
CASI came into this on a five-game winning streak, including that comfortable victory over Cuba 41:27. They had stretched back lines all season and should have too much for anyone. But Newman are different — they've been here before, and they know how to close out tight games.
The visitors didn't panic when CASI pushed them. To be fair, the hosts put up a fight, but Newman's defense tightened when it mattered. The difference came in the final minutes, where Newman's composure separated them. The table goes out of the window in these games, but tonight the class showed.
After the match, the gap at the top remains 18 points. Newman have nothing to do all evening in terms of pressure, while CASI will be looking to bounce back. The hosts have lost only five games all season, so this isn't a crisis — just a reminder that even the best can be caught.
