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v Banbury 12 April 2008

NEWARK v BANBURY – Midlands Two East

THE last two weeks have been a real mix of emotion which is not untypical of a Newark side; the lows of a sound beating at the hands of Kettering and the elation of last week’s Three Counties Cup victory over Scunthorpe, 27-18.

The Kettering game was disappointing - not least that the game was winnable and league results could have catapulted us into a play off spot. The forwards played solidly and were inspired by heroic performances from Chris Coen and Lewis Cove who took commitment to another level. The three-quarters however, lacked the spark and cohesion that we have come to expect and the Kettering back line proved too strong. Nevertheless, the Cup Final was a different story!

The Bobs set the bench mark - some brave decisions in selection and specific areas to work on during extended training sessions. The boys responded well and this was certainly translated on to the park. Although we have lapsed on occasion in the league, the great thing about this side is the work rate - never was this more apparent than in the second half. The tackle count was outstanding and our ability to drain Scunthorpe’s will power in the collision area told. Their skipper remarked that he felt we were more ‘up for it.’ Special mention to the front row. Micky and Ben defy nature and to Jonny Evans (now established as one of the best second rows in the division), a deserved man-of-the-match award.

This is an easy team to captain because there are so many leaders within it. It is not always appropriate to single people out but the consistent desire, effort and impact of Lewis Cove, Chris Coen and Richard Byrom have inspired me (and the wider squad) to better things this year. Matt Cove and Martin Brummitt also deserve acknowledgement for their contribution to the season and in particular the final - neither featured but the level of support and encouragement amplifies the strength of this squad and their character. Thanks to all those supporters who made the effort to travel to Derby, it really did feel like a home game.

Welcome to Banbury for our last home fixture of the season. They have taken some good teams close so we will need to repeat last week to secure fourth/third place spot. Welcome also to the double-winning side of 1990 - it’s pleasing to see so many still alive. Having played with some of you in my fledgling years, it is a privilege to have you involved again today. Enjoy the day gents; I believe chairs, blankets and Horlicks have been provided - but no sleeping!

As ever, Mark Staines will be doing the rounds with the tour sock so please feel free to contribute to a ‘good cause’. Mr Vidler will be holding court around 6pm. The match is sponsored by John Coles, one of the club’s most generous supporters. So it should be a great day. Finally, thank you for your support this season. See you at Mellish on May 11 and at The Show as well on the Saturday. I have volunteered to be a Commissionaire! Please support the club in raising money to keep the good times rolling at Kelham Road.

Danny Coen, captain

WEATHER LOTTERY

Have you joined up yet?

Go to www.weatherlottery.com and join online, to get the chance of winning £10,000 daily. Costs only £1.00 per week for one line. 31.5% of your payment goes direct to club funds. We have had two winners from the club already! Ask Jacki and Graeme Harness.

MIDLANDS TWO EAST

P W D L F A Pts

Kettering 20 17 0 3 649 240 34

Hinckley 20 15 1 4 406 221 31

Syston 20 14 2 4 352 244 30

Newark 20 14 0 6 474 373 28

Paviors 20 12 0 8 416 345 24

Matlock 20 11 1 8 378 349 23

Derby 20 9 1 10 343 378 19

Mkt Bosworth 20 8 2 10 278 324 18

Ampthill 20 8 0 12 354 388 16

O Northamp 20 4 0 16 348 488 8

Banbury 20 3 0 17 205 533 6

Melton 20 1 1 18 249 569 3

Today’s games: Ampthill v Market Bosworth, Derby v Syston, Hinckley v Melton, Newark v Banbury, Old Northamptonians v Matlock, Paviors v Kettering.

Next Saturday (final games): Banbury v Paviors, Kettering v Hinckley, Market Bosworth v Derby, Matlock v Newark, Melton v Ampthill, Syston v Old Northamptonians.

SCORES AND SCORERS

Saturday, March 29 - Midlands Two East

Kettering 36 v 5 Newark

Try: Brewer.

Kettering 2nds 32 16 Newark 2nds

Tries: Hawes, M Cove. Kicks: W Naylor 2 pens.

N Hykeham 14 v 10 Newark 3rds

Try: Wing. Kicks: Harrison 1c, 1p.

Newark 4ths 82 v 0 Meden Vale

Tries: Ellis (2), Boddy (2), Goff (3), Willis, Witton, Morris, Randall, Hutchinson jnr, Hutchinson snr, Lee. Kicks: Hutchinson snr 3.

Newark u-17s 7 v 35 Paviors u-17s

Try: Gilder. Kick: M Byrom 1c.

Sat & Sun, April 5/6

Three Counties Cup Final at Derby

Newark 27 v 18 Scunthorpe

Tries: Spokes, Brewer (2), Waqalevu. Kicks: D Coen 1p, 2c.

Newark 2nds 103 v 0 Mansfield 2nds

Tries: D Fagan (3), A Statham (3), Jackson (3), Dunning (2), Hawes, Naylor, Blood, Sibilski, Walker, J Statham. Kicks: Walker 8c, J Cudlipp 1c.

Horncastle 4ths 15 v 15 Newark 4ths

Try: Hutchinson snr. Kicks: Hutchinson 1p, 1c.

Newark Colts 34 v 12 Nottingham Colts

Tries: Riley, Spencer (2), D Fagan. Kicks: Sizer 4c, 2p.

TEAM NOTES

1 st XV

WHAT a month since the last home game against Melton. That 67-7 victory was a relaxed gallop compared to the frenzy that followed at Mansfield. Thanks to that crossbar it gave the 1 st XV a chance of a double and the poor Show committee a headache of all headaches. For those who have not visited Kelham Road since mid-March a quick resume will take place. Newark won the Notts Cup semi-final on the away team rule after the sides had finished 17-17 at the end of extra-time, having scored three tries each and converted one of them. It left The Chad newspaper, that unbiased organ, searching for ways of describing the fraught afternoon. The Bard of Eakring Road wrote: “There were gasps of amazement and heads shaken, as men with centuries of rugby experience stood in the Mansfield bar after this game. All spoke of a sight none had witnessed before.” They were talking about a conversion from Wayne Robinson that, if successful, would have given Mansfield victory.

“It looked just short, it looked just over, then the ball dropped directly onto the top of the crossbar and bounced straight up. As it came back down on the bar maybe a slight gust of wind or the collective sharp intakes of breath brought it infield and not over,” said The Chad.

So we have a chance of a double on Sunday, May 11 against Paviors in the final of the Notts Cup. Just to make the weekend interesting, it coincides with the Newark & Notts Show. The Mansfield game was followed by Easter and then a trip to Kettering which ended in a 35-0 loss.

A week later and the real Newark stood up at Derby in the Three Counties Cup final against Scunthorpe. It was all about taking chances and in Matt Brewer and ‘Buddha’ we had the two best poachers and finishers on the park. Yes, it was a collective effort but without those two the hard work may not have reaped dividends. It was a wonderful performance and a credit to the whole squad and management.

2 nd XV

WHEN did a Newark team last put a century of points on Mansfield? When did John Cudlipp last kick a conversion? The answer to both questions is a probable no, certainly not in Mr Cudlipp’s case who claimed in the club ezine that he had not kicked a conversion in 30 years of playing the game. As an old newspaper editor used to say on departing each night: ‘You can’t make it up.’ Newark 2nds defeated Mansfield 2nds 103-0 last Saturday to cement their lead in the Notts Pennant. At the last count Alex’s men were four points clear of Paviors. Captain Jackson grabbed three tries himself and there were three each for Alex Statham and David Fagan. Young Fagan had an interesting weekend. He played some part for the colts on Sunday morning and was then among the subs for the Cup final at Derby.

3 rd XV

IT is fair to say that the momentum of the early months has been lost. They are still challenging for the Pennant and need a big win over Matlock next Saturday to keep the pressure on Mellish.

4 th XV

ALL thoughts are on the trip to Skegness next Saturday. ‘Do they know we are coming to play rugby,’ mused Captain Brown the other night. A 15-15 draw at Horncastle relied on Stan Hutchinson for all the points. No doubt his 1990 colleagues will be asking fourth teamers on the number of times he passed the ball. It has been a good season for the 4ths who look set on a third-place finish in the Pennant. They deserve their break on the coast. May the sun shine.

NEWARK ’S BEST

SOME four years ago we clinched promotion on the same afternoon the 1983 squad were re-gathering to talk about their triumph over Lincoln. So last Sunday’s Cup win was following a pattern of the present gang refusing to leave all the shouting to the oldies. A common theme runs through the teams of 1983, 1990, 2003 and 2008. They each had some splendid characters who loved their rugby. Each team had a plan and stuck to it. Having watched all the teams, I think it is fair to say that all of them relied on good packs, reliable halfbacks and sturdy defence. The 83 mob did not score many tries, the 1990 gang were based on Alan King’s accuracy, the 2003 men on Terry Tanoa and the goal kicking of Dave Rimmer. If one was putting together a ‘Newark Best XV’ then Matt Brewer and Buddha would be among the best finishers. Such lists always spark debate and talk so here goes…Wildman’s XV from the men of 1983, 90, 2003 and 2008. Thanks for the memories. From full-back onwards: Byrom; Buddha, Brewer, Tanoa, Britten; King (capt), Scott; Lord, D Townsend, Vidler, Evans, Priestley, P Loftus, Stan, D Saxelby. Subs: Spokes, M Barker, J King, Halliday, D Coen, Rimmer, K Saxelby.

ON THE MEND

HOPEFULLY, Mick Lambley should be among the lunchtime guests. He has been laid low recently and it is good to hear reports from Tuxford that he is out and about again. In his absence, Fitz has been pushing the white liner machine and Mick will have the chance of judging his this afternoon. Also in attendance should be Michael Dobson. He missed last week’s Cup final due to a stay in Lincoln County Hospital where he spent most of the afternoon calling for scores from Derby. Billy B reports he should be here this afternoon and fit for Matlock next week.

COLTS

HAVING beaten Mansfield on tour in Ghent, 5-0, the Colts meet Mansfield again in the final of the NLD Cup at Market Rasen, kick off 3pm, on Sunday, April 27. This follows a 34-12 win over Nottingham last Sunday at Sleaford. Angus Spencer, the Collingham express, scored two tries and one each came from the flying flanker, Aaran Riley, plus one from David Fagan, who plays for any team that asks whether it be rugby, cricket or hockey. Jamie Sizer kicked 14 points.

DIARY DATES

Saturday, April 19 – Matlock v Newark, kick off 3pm. Final league game.

Annual Dinner – Saturday, April 26. Cheap beer, laughs and frolics. £26 senior £20 students.

Sat & Sun, May 10 & 11: Newark & Notts Show, volunteers needed.

Sun, May 11: Notts Cup Finals – 2 nd XV v Paviors ( 2pm), 1 st XV v Paviors ( 4pm).

THANK YOU

Match sponsors – Tony Rose (Newark Storage), Tony Masding ( ), John Coen (CF Construction), Langleys Solicitors of Lincoln (Andrew Fearn), Tony Aspbury, Dan Godfrey & Wes Jones, Larken & Co (Clive Rossin), Bateman Brewery, Richard Derry (Cofatech), John Coles (Evenbrook).

Ball Sponsors – Wrights Coaches, Jacksons (three games), Barker Maule Accountants, Owen Mathias, Larken & Co Solicitors, GC Bond, Richard Derry, John Coles.

Ps: And a special thanks to Steve Yarnell for all the photos last week from Derby.

v Melton 8th March 2008

NEWARK v MELTON – Midlands Two East

WHAT a difference a few weeks make - players back from injury, individuals starting to hit a purple patch of form and a rejuvenated attitude and approach to what has been hard graft in training. As a spectator over the past month it was great to get back last weekend and the boys certainly made my life easy away at Market Bosworth with one of the most complete displays we have mustered for some time. Forward dominance at the break down with some fantastic support and running lines made the second half in particular, a pleasure to play in.

We have difficult fixtures ahead but the tempo and commitment displayed in Saturday’s 30-3 victory over Bosworth should give us great optimism over the coming weeks. We still have a campaign on three fronts with the league play off spot (a little bit of a long shot), the Three Counties Final, versus Scunthorpe at Derby on Sunday, April 6, and the trip to Mansfield in the Notts Cup next weekend. That game has now been confirmed for Saturday.

We welcome back Melton this afternoon and although they sit at the foot of the table they have forged some competitive results this season without the points to show for their endeavours. Certainly, our victory at the start of the season was a tight affair and owed to our ability to take advantage of the blustery wind in the first half rather than any physical dominance.

I hope we can reproduce some of last week’s rampaging rugby to keep the spectators entertained today, after all, we are in the second week of March and this is only the third league encounter in front of our home crowd this year.

Enjoy the game; if you see Mark Staines with the tour sock in the clubhouse, feel free to contribute (he’ll only pester you anyway) and stick around for Mr. Vidler’s Court which will be ‘convening’ around 6pm.

Many thanks to Richard Derry for sponsoring today’s match through his Cofathec company. Thanks, again, to Masdings for sponsoring the man of the match award.

Danny Coen, captain

WEATHER LOTTERY

Have you joined up yet?

Go to www.weatherlottery.com and join online, to get the chance of winning £10,000 daily. Costs only £1.00 per week for one line. 31.5% of your payment goes direct to your clubs funds.

We have had two winners from the club already! Ask Jacki and Graeme Harness.

UP FOR THE CUP

THREE COUNTIES CUP Final - Newark v Scunthorpe at Derby, 3pm ko

UNDER-12s TOUR EVENING – Friday, March 14 in the Clubhouse

Music, Comedy, Raffle, Cash Raffle, Auction, pin & peas. All for £15. 7-30-midnight.

Please note: Comedian non PC. If easily offended please don’t come.

Tickets from Alistair & Clare 01636-525340.

MIDLANDS TWO EAST

P W D L F A Pts

Kettering 18 15 0 3 585 216 30

Hinckley 18 14 1 3 378 205 29

Syston 18 13 1 4 316 230 27

Newark 18 13 0 5 402 330 26

Paviors 18 10 0 8 373 325 20

Matlock 18 10 0 8 344 331 20

Derby 18 9 1 8 322 333 19

Mkt Bosworth 18 7 2 9 259 298 16

Ampthill 18 7 0 11 327 350 14

O Northampton 18 4 0 14 315 444 8

Banbury 18 2 0 16 182 490 4

Melton 18 1 1 16 234 485 3

Last weekend: Ampthill 17, Paviors 20-Banbury 3, Matlock 13-Derby 24, Hinckley 15-Kettering 31, Syston 7-Market Bosworth 3, Newark 30-Melton 13, Old Northampton 15.

Today’s Games: Hinckley v Ampthill, Matlock v Derby, Newark v Melton, Old Northamptonians v Kettering, Paviors v Market Bosworth, Syston v Banbury.

SCORES AND SCORERS

 Saturday, March 1 - Midlands Two East

Market Bosworth 3 v 30 Newark

Tries: Waqalevu (2), Collishaw, Byrom. Kicks: D Coen 2p, 2c.

Team: Byrom; Brummitt, Miller, Collishaw, Waqalevu; Dobson, D Coen (capt); Barker, Spokes, Vidler, Evans, M Staines, L Cove, Claydon, Brewer. Subs: M Cove, May, Nelson.

Newark 2nds 64 v 19 Sleaford 2nds

Tries: J Statham (4), Gresswell (2), Jackson, Riley, Webster, Sibilski. Kicks: Gresswell (7).

Stamford 3rds 5 v 51 Newark 3rds 51

Dronfield 3rds 6 v 8 Newark 4ths

Try: Booth. Kick: Bennett.

Saturday Feb 23 Ron Rossin Shield - Qtr-final

West Bridgford 2nds 10 v 35 Newark 2nds

Tries: J Statham, Bartsch, Blood, Galinski. Kicks: Harrison 3c, 3p.

Newark 4ths 17 v 12 Ripley Rhinos

Tries: Edlin (2). Kicks: Gelsthorpe 1c, 1p.

Wednesday Feb 18 – Three Counties semi-final

Newark 18 v 15 Mansfield

Tries: L Cove, Waalevu, Cook. Kick: Dobson 1p.

TEAM NOTES

1st XV

WHAT a night! Some of the spectators at Kelham Road for the Three Counties Cup semi-final I had not seen for years. All sorts came out of the woodwork and they were rewarded by an excellent win over Mansfield. The 18-15 win brings a place in the final against Scunthorpe at Derby on Sunday, April 6, kick off 3pm. After that initial Mansfield push, we had the bulk of the possession and territory despite letting conceding a try from an interception at the start of the second half. The best aspect was how we held ourselves together after going behind just after the interval. Buddha’s try brought cheers from everyone and a chorus of ‘Buds, Buds, Buds.’ A great night was kicked off by the arrival of our 92-year-old trustee Bob Wilkinson. He had been invited to receive a thank you from the club for his generous donation which helped to pay for the new floodlights. The win over Mansfield brought the squad a well earned weekend off the following Saturday. They returned refreshed last week at Market Bosworth, where, according to reports, they played some of the best rugby this season. Two more tries for that man on the wing and one for Richard Byrom. “They can’t drop me after that performance,” he told the programme snoop. Unfortunately, his under-17s lost the next day at Nuneaton. Perhaps, it was the first ever bus journey that unsettled Richard’s lads. Another stalwart back on duty was Charlie Claydon.

Team news: Watch out for changes at prop and centre. David Fagan, a member of Worksop’s winning seven at the schoolboy sevens last week, is due a first look at 1st XV action from the bench. Let’s hope this promising player gets a run.

2nd XV

THE 2nds are also set for a semi-final against Mansfield this time in the Ron Rossin Cup. That game looks set to be played on Wednesday, March 19 at Eakring Road, kick off 7.30pm. That’s the plan anyway but we have not had the official nod from Mansfield yet. Watch out on the ezine and in The Advertiser. A good second-half performance turned round a 10-8 deficit at West Bridgford in the quarter-final. Good to hear that Dan Cudlipp partnered father John in the team and other good performances from colts came from hooker Michael Topley and lock Aaron Gibson. Dan Harrison also got the call up and kicked 15 points.

3rd XV

A bad month was only partially offset by last week’s win at Stamford. Otherwise a difficult few weeks including one contest where Mellish did “a number” in the Pennant to win 41-14. The previous week Southwell 2nds had left Kelham Road feeling hard done in drawing 10-10.

4th XV

THANKS to Martin’s crew for taking part in the re-introduction of the Tom Coates Memorial Trophy against Hykeham. It was a good night made all the more enjoyable by the presence of Sally Coates, daughter of Tom who died in the early 1980s. He was a well known member of both clubs and the Cup was introduced in his memory. Hyekham won and grandson Tom presented the Cup. Some how the match has been allowed to lapse in recent years so it was good to get it back on.

A FEW STATS FROM AN OLD SCRIBE

 
A MAGNIFICENT start to the season culminating in that win, both on and off the field, over Syston. Sadly, a bit of a stumble at the start of the New Year has, if not burst our promotion bubble, certainly deflated it.  However, when you look at last weekend's results we are not totally out of the race and the match at Kettering, March 29, could decide both our fates.
In 2004, the end of our first season in Midlands Two East, we achieved 22 match points and a corresponding mid-table finish before going into a steady decline which saw us end last season with an impossibly low points total without relegation. Our win over Ampthill in our last home league match saw us achieve a new high of 24 points, so its congratulations to all the players and the two Bobs for what so far has been an outstanding achievement. That win was followed four days later with victory over Mansfield to put us into the NLD Cup Final against Scunthorpe at Derby on Sunday, April 6.
It was in the playing days of the likes of Stan Hutchinson and John Inverdale (Lincoln, lost) that we last reached these dizzy heights and, win or lose, we could be rewarded with a place in next season's EDF Energy National Trophy, when, assuming that the RFU stick to the format of recent years, will see us starting that competition in August. 
This is the same cup that Nottingham compete and its congratulations to them on reaching the semi-final where they visit Exeter. A place in the final at Twickenham probably against hot favourites Northampton would surely help lay a few ghosts for Richard Byrom who was in the Green and Whites team which came within a coat of paint of a semi-final victory over Quins many moons ago. Good luck to all concerned both here and at The Lane for the rest of the season.  Let’s enjoy it.

JOHN WHITELAW

SCHOOLBOY 7s

The tournament, sponsored by Newark Marina, turned out to be one of the best for a number of years. Stowe school retained their cup in the U16 competition winning all their games. They are a class act at their level and thoroughly deserved the success.

The open competition was far more competitive and all the games were fiercely contested throughout the day. The final between Worksop College and Woodhouse turned out to be a classic encounter with the lead changing hands before Worksop College came through strongly late in the second half to claim the trophy. They are an extremely talented bunch of lads, with most having links with our club, which bodes well for the future if they grow into the senior environment.

On the day all the boys were winners as despite the intensity of the competition, they displayed impressive levels of sportsmanship, lots of skill and commendable discipline, which did credit to their schools.

Our thanks are extended to the referees for their judgments, to the masters who have given freely of their time, to Phil and Emma for masterminding the day and indeed to everyone who contributed to the day’s success. All we need now is a Wales victory day in Dublin.

CHARLIE FEHRS

LATE NEWS…

NOTTS CUP – Semi-final

Mansfield v Newark, Saturday, March 15, ko to be decided.

v Ampthill 16th February 2008

NEWARK v AMPTHILL – Midlands Two East

WELCOME to only our second home league game of the year. Thank you to Andy and Jim from Batemans for sponsoring the visit of Ampthill with a pre-match lunch due to get things off to a lively start. There is plenty of rugby to watch. The under-15s are scheduled to play opponents from Morpeth at mid-day followed by the 2nd XV taking on Paviors in a Pennant fixture and the 4ths playing East Leake later on.

It has been a difficult few weeks due to injury and availability. After the highs of 2007 we face a tough test going into the back end of the season. There have been no real ‘gimmie’ this season and although we had a fantastic start to the campaign, a lot of teams have accelerated their game and proved a different prospect second time round. This was certainly the case last week at Hinckley who have developed their resolve up front and introduced some exciting options in the back line. On this performance I would tip them for the top spot; they appear to have the players and infrastructure to survive in Midlands One and they simply proved too good for us.

Since Christmas, the absence of players such as Paul Cook, Graham Chenoweth, Ben Spokes, Charlie Claydon, Michael Dobson and Matt Brewer has had a big impact on our consistency and structure. The feeling among the management and senor squad is that we need to get back to basics, something we intend to do this weekend. We need to be more competitive at the breakdown, stronger in contact and less predictable going forward.

Ampthill have chalked up some impressive wins of late and now appear to be well clear of any relegation worries. They always play a good brand of physical, entertaining rugby and I imagine Kelham Road will appeal to their game plan. I want to see a more intelligent and committed performance from our guys today - we are far better than the rugby we have produced in 2008 and we need a performance. Thanks again to Masdings for their continuing support of the man-of-the-match award. Let’s hope we some great individual efforts to choose from.

I hope all supporters will make an effort to be down at Kelham Road again on Wednesday when Mansfield visit in the semi-final of the Notts, Lincs & Derbys Cup. The kick off is 7.30pm.

Danny Coen, captain

WEATHER LOTTERY

JOIN UP …a new fund raising initiative is underway. The weather lottery is a way many sports clubs have used to raise funds through a daily draw. The hard working sponsorship team – Andrea, Andy Clay, John Cook, Tony Masding, John Gelsthorpe and Tony Aspbury – have taken on the promotion of the draw and there will be plenty of leaflets around the clubhouse today explaining more. More info can be gained by logging on to newarkrugby.com and following the links to the weatherlottery.com

UP FOR THE CUP

THREE COUNTIES Semi-final, 7.30pm kick off

Newark v Mansfield

Bar Open, all support welcome

www.newarkrugby.com

Page Two

MIDLANDS TWO EAST

P W D L F A Pts

Hinckley 16 13 1 2 342 166 27

Kettering 16 13 0 3 525 201 26

Syston 16 12 1 3 268 183 25

Newark 16 11 0 5 354 310 22

Paviors 16 9 0 7 338 287 18

Matlock 16 9 0 7 323 299 18

Derby 16 7 1 8 264 311 15

Ampthill 16 7 0 9 293 312 14

Mkt Bosworth 16 6 2 8 239 260 14

O Northamp 16 3 0 13 292 414 6

Banbury 16 2 0 14 172 443 4

Melton 16 1 1 14 205 429 3

Today’s Games: Banbury v Derby, Matlock v Kettering, Newark v Ampthill, Old Northamptonians v Market Bosworth, Paviors v Hinckley, Syston v Melton.

SCORES AND SCORERS

Saturday, Jan 26 - Midlands Two East: Newark 15 Paviors 20. Pennant: Paviors 2nds 8 Newark 2nds 12. Pennant: Paviors 3rds 7 Newark 3rds 10. Derby Vets 5 Newark 4ths 34. Newark Colts 41 Derby 5. U-17s: Newark 24 Buxton 7.

Saturday, Feb 2 - Ilkeston 2nds 10, Newark 2nds 15. Kesteven 2nds 27, Newark 3rds 26.

LAST WEEKEND (Feb 9) - Midlands Two East

Hinckley 28 v 3 Newark

Kick: D Coen 1p.

Team: Byrom; Brummitt, Cook, Collishaw, Miller; Wheeler, D Coen; Vidler, Spokes, Barker, Evans, M Staines, L Cove, Brewer, C Coen. Subs: JJ Connolly for Byrom, May for Vidler, Waqaleu Aloesi for Brummiit.

Other results: Ampthill 54, Old Northamptonians 20-Derby 27, Paviors 16-Kettering 47, Banbury 14-Market Bosworth 10, Syston 10-Melton 25, Matlock 11.

Notts Pennant

Lincoln 2nds 0 v 81 Newark 2nds

Tries: M Cove, Webster, Jackson, Bartsch, Gresswell, A Statham, Naylor, Blood, Phillips, Sibilski (2), Roberts (2). Kicks: Roberts (3), Gresswell (5).

Notts Pennant

Newark 3rds 10 v 10 Southwell 2nds

Tries: Johnson, Hodges.

Newark 4ths 18 v 42 Bingham

Tries: Booth, Robinson. Kicks: Gelsthorpe 1c, 2p.

Paviors Colts 22 v 26 Newark Colts

Tries: Gibson (2), Riley. Kicks: Fagan 2p, 1c, 1dg.

www.newarkrugby.com

Page Three

TEAM NOTES

1st XV

NO victory to report in the last three weeks. Defeats by Paviors and Hinckley continued a disappointing start to the New Year. That win over Old Northamptonians seems a long time ago. Paviors had some in-form players and took their chances. We enjoyed 60-40 of the possession and, perhaps, at best deserved a draw for battering away on their line at the end. The absence of several key players has given opportunities to others. James Wheeler, from Nottingham, has come to play at wing, full-back and outside-half so far. Good to see Buddha Waqalevu and Chris Coen back on parade after their injury troubles. Let’s hope they both stay in one piece.

Team news for today:

WELCOME back Dobbo from his Twickenham trip and Fitz Taua’a from injury. Both start in a line up that has Shaun May at loose head, Mick Barker dropping down to the bench. Chris Coen packs down in the second row alongside Jon Evans and Matt Cove is recalled at hooker due to the absence of Ben Spokes.

2nd XV

AJ’s men have overtaken the soarway 3rds as the in-form team among the senior teams. Wins over Paviors, Ilkeston and Lincoln have given them a chance of the Pennant title but they must beat Paviors, again, this afternoon to keep the pressure on. Good reports about the contributions from the colts included in their ranks. Ollie Bradley, Jamie Sizer and Joe Musgrove have all gained nods of appreciation from the ‘old pros’ on duty. A Johnny Statham special settled the match at Paviors while at Ilkeston Buddha popped up alongside the place kicking of Nick Gresswell. Last week at Lincoln was a walk on the Lindum, 81-0.

3rd XV

IT must have been a touch of complacency that caused Dan’s men to concede their unbeaten record at Kesteven in a hastily-arranged friendly fixture. Simon Wing reported in the weekly ezine that the defeat at Kesteven, 27-26, was the first in 23 games since last March. A topsy-turvy match saw Kesteven lead 17-0 at the interval only for them to concede the advantage before a late try settled the contest. Last week the 3rds drew 10-10 at home to Southwell. Another slow start gave away a 10-0 lead before tries by Craig Johnson (he also scored two against Kesteven) and Steve Hodges earned a draw. Mr Wing also admitted that he missed the two conversions.

4th XV

WELCOME back Richard Gelsthorpe. His first game in two years saw him land two penalties and a conversion against Bingham last week. He reported that he used the same pair of boots as before and felt too rusty so he turned down a chance to play in the 3rds. The 4ths need a win as plenty of effort has gone unrewarded in the last few weeks. They also had a blank weekend when the game at Ollerton was postponed.

www.newarkrugby.com

TRIPLE CHAMPIONS REUNION

THERE has been a great response from the boys who took part in the campaign 20 years ago, mainly because they think there will be some free ale swilling about, and to see if their captain Alan King has acquired the art of leadership. Towno has promised to sing the ‘Alphabet’ for half an hour and our ubiquitous baggage operative, Cooperman, has been allowed to come as long as he carries all the beer and doesn’t sneak on to any of the photographs. However, some lads are still off the radar and, despite extensive checks on criminal records, they remain elusive. I would be grateful if you could contact me with info regarding talented performers: Stuart Pearce, Richard Bijester, Kevin Wilson, Gareth Davies, and Neil Coyne. I would appreciate your help.

Charlie Fehrs. Tel: 01636 707506 (N.B The answer phone is bust) or email: c.fehrs@bt.internet.com

Ps: Mr Fehrs was delighted to tell the committee on Monday that the ‘daffodils in the corner of the ground were beginning to bloom. “It represents the coming of a nation,” he said. Victories over England and Scotland have set off dreams of another Grand Slam.

GET YOUR HEAD AROUND THIS LITTLE LOT

THE Super 14 starts this weekend and a draft of experimental laws are to be introduced. For those SKY Sports viewers here is a guide to the changes that are being applied. Happy watching.

1) The offside line for players other than forwards and the halfback is 5m behind the scrum.

2) Free kicks will be awarded for all offences other than offside, foul play and not entering through the gate.

3) If a maul becomes unplayable or the same applies at a tackle or ruck, the side without the ball at the start of the movement receives a free kick.

4) Quick lineout throws can be delivered backwards while the side throwing to a normal lineout sets the numbers. The defending team can choose to put less players into their formation,.

5) A ball thrown or carried back into the 22 cannot be kicked out for a lineout outside the 22 unless a tackle, ruck or maul occurs. Otherwise the lineout will form from where the ball was kicked.

6) Once a tackle occurs there are offside lines across the field.

7) Corner posts will be placed on the outside junction of the goal-line and deadball line. Players who ground the ball and take out the corner post while in mid air will be awarded tries.

COMING UP

Sunday, March 2 – Newark Schoolboy Sevens

Sponsored by Newark Marina. Games from 11am.

Saturday, March 8 – Midlands Two East

Newark v Melton, kick off 3pm.

v Paviors 26th January 2008

NEWARK v PAVIORS – Midlands Two East

WELCOME to the first home game of the year. The water has receded sufficiently to allow this Nottinghamshire derby in Midlands Two East to take place. A big thank you to Mick for his work in making the pitch playable and to Andrea, Spankie and Andy in getting the match arrangements made. We will say nothing about the media grabbing antics of Graham. One day he is on Lincs FM telling the world the floods will never end followed by his appearance in The Advertiser. Those with long memories will remember he was last pictured in such a scene at the turn of the century. The only good thing this time is that he has got rid of that dreadful purple anorak.

The main pitch is the only one to have recovered from the 10 days of floods and it may be two or three weeks before all the pitches are back in operation. The 2nds and 3rds are both heading over to Paviors with the 4ths at Derby. Tomorrow, at the last count the minis and youth teams were scattered far and wide in search of good grass while the senior youth – colts and under-17s – are playing Cup games at the Magnus. Spectators are welcome for a colts kick off at 12.30 and the under-17s at.11am.

Today’s match is sponsored by Larken and Co Solicitors of Newark. Their group is led by Clive Rossin, a formidable scrum-half for Paviors. Clive’s guests are very welcome and let’s hope for another good game. Clive will not want to be reminded that Newark won the first game between the teams 36-0. Danny Coen, our captain, described the performance as one of the best in a very long time. The Advertiser put the boot in by declaring: “Leaders Paviors put to the sword.”

The big news from training on Thursday evening is that Danny is still feeling the knee injury that he picked up at Old Northamptonians. So Martin ‘father’ Brummitt is at scrum-half alongside JJ Connolly at halfback. Richard Byrom has grabbed the full-back shirt again with Mark Miller back on the wing. Up front, Chris Coen is fit and partners Jon Evans at lock in a pack that has Matt Brewer, back from his Alpine adventures, at flanker in tandem again with match captain Lewis Cove. Thanks to Collingham Football Club for agreeing to stage the two training sessions this week for the first team squad

Paviors have had some mixed results in the last two months including a loss to Mansfield in the NLD Cup but a win over Syston. The Cup result now pairs Newark and Mansfield in the semi-final at Kelham Road on a date to be arranged. The teams also meet in the Notts Cup on a date to be arranged. Watch out for the dates on the website and notice boards. Granddad Brummitt can explain more about the possibilities.

It has been a week for reading the rule book. This Hon secretary must apologise for failing to study the structured season when it was published by the RFU last June. He was sharply reminded at a recent Notts RFU meeting that the dates for the county cup finals had been set in that document for Sunday, May 11. He was sent home from Mansfield with the words ‘rules are rules’ ringing in his ear. Unfortunately, for Newarkers it is also the date of the Show, so resources will be tested to the full if either the 1st XV or 2nd XV reach one of the four finals which will be held back-to-back at Mellish. It is going to be a long day for all players and volunteers, but rules are rules.

Rob Wildman, Hon Secretary

Page Two

MIDLANDS TWO EAST

P W D L F A Pts

Hinckley 14 11 1 2 278 157 23

Kettering 14 11 0 3 444 170 22

Syston 14 11 0 3 250 170 22

Newark 14 11 0 3 336 262 22

Paviors 14 8 0 6 302 245 16

Matlock 14 8 0 6 278 259 16

M Bosworth 14 6 1 7 214 216 13

Derby 14 6 1 7 220 261 13

Ampthill 14 6 0 8 236 284 12

O Northamp 14 3 0 11 266 324 6

Banbury 14 1 0 13 138 383 2

Melton 14 0 1 13 167 398 1

Today’s Games: Banbury v Melton, Kettering v Derby, Matlock v Market Bosworth, Newark v Paviors, Old Northamptonians v Hinckley, Syston v Ampthill.

ALL THE SCORERS

SAT, JAN 5 – MIDLANDS TWO EAST

O Northamptonians 17 v 19 Newark

Try: Miller. Kicks: Coen 1c, 4p.

O Northamptonians 42 v 17 Newark 2nds

Tries: J Statham (2), Naylor. Kick: Nissim 1c.

Market Rasen 2nds 29 v 34 Newark 3rds

Tries: Holmes, Ward, Johnson, pen try. Kicks: Harrison 4c, 2p.

Newark 4ths 15 v 19 Market Rasen 3rds

Tries: Willis, Macfarlane, W Bunn.

SAT JAN 12 – NLD CUP 1 st rd

Moderns 10 v 36 Newark

Tries: Miller (4), May. Kicks: Connolly 2c 1p, Dobson 2c.

Notts Pennant

Moderns 2nds 7 v 63 Newark 2nds

Tries: Bradley (2), A Statham (3), Aloesi, Webster (2), Naylor, Blood, Sibilski. Kicks: Nissim 4c.

Newark 3rds 53 v 0 Moderns 3rds

Tries: Coote, Gourley (2), Edwards, Loftus (2), McKwen, Pykett, Harrison. Kicks: Harrison 3 cons, Pykett 1 con.

Mkt Rasen Colts 5 v 10 Newark Colts

Tries: Dyer (2).

Newark U-17s 19 v 17 Paviors U-17s

Tries: Wilson, Coddling, Stam. Kicks: M Byrom 2 cons.

SAT JAN 19 -.MIDLANDS TWO EAST

Derby 25 v 0 Newark

Page Three

TEAM NOTES

IT has been a long time since Syston were sent packing on December 15. So it is a Happy New Year to all our regular readers. Let’s catch up on a month of rugby that brought some good competition over the holidays and three 1 st XV fixtures in January where two wins were then followed by a poor performance at Derby which forced the Evening Post to write the first predictable headline of the year in “Newark Open Floodgates.”

Those floodgates had started at Old Northamptonians after one touchline watcher turned to another and launched into fulsome praise of Newark’s defence. “The one big thing that has improved is that we do tackle far better,” he said to his mate. “You will regret your last statement,” came the sharp response two minutes later after the home team had scored a try from a move that started near halfway.

To add insult to injury Old Northamptonians struck again 10 minutes later to turn a deficit into a lead. It was a very sobering period not helped by an easterly wind that came straight from beyond Norfolk. Thanks to Danny’s splendid kick we got ourselves out of jail to win. Before the home comeback we had built a steady lead through the captain’s accuracy and a great cross kick from Paul Cook which enabled Mark Miller to scamper home.

Mark had another storming afternoon at Moderns in the NLD Cup first round. He scored four tries in a 36-10 win which gives us a home semi-final against Mansfield.

A trip to Derby last week was thoroughly disappointing. We failed to take our chances in the first half and then sprung another leak just before half-time which led to another of those break-away tries that the programme’s man on the touochline thought was a thing of the past. Good to see Matt Clark given an opportunity at scrum-half in Danny’s absence and a hello to a new face on the wing in James Wheeler from Nottingham.

2 nd XV

OLLIE who? To the regular watchers of the youth teams then they needed no introduction to scrum-half Ollie Bradley. He scored two tries on his senior debut in a 63-7 win over Moderns 2nds. AJ reported that for one of his touchdowns he carried four forwards over the line with him. The big win included a try from Buddha and two from Jon Webster in the back row after his sojourn at centre in December. Good to see Chris Blood and Sam Sibilski among the try scorers. The 2nds are heading for West Bridgford on Feb 23 for a first round game in the Ron Rossin Shield. The winners then play Mansfield.

3rd XV

The Unbeaten run is now 18 games Two more were chalked up before the floods intervened last week. Tom Pykett celebrated his 50 th birthday by touching down against Moderns along with another dashing effort from Daley Edwards. Rasen pushed Dan’s group close where tries from wing Paul Ward and Neil Johnston won the day.

4 th XV

Martin is still recovering from the defeat by Rasen, 15-19. “Gutted” was the one word text message report. And then to compound his misery, Moderns cried off late the week before last to leave the 4ths without rugby for two weeks now. The proposed mid-week game next Wednesday, against North Hykeham, has been postponed due to the flood.

New Page

TRIPLE CROWN REUNION

In the 1987/8 season the club celebrated its most successful season, winning the Midlands Two East title, Notts Cup and the Notts, Lincs and Derbys Cup, a clean sweep. A reunion has been organised for the boys who played in that memorable campaign on Ssaturday, April 12 at Kelham Road for lunch before the match. If you are still alive, no matter if you are pensioner, pauper, preacher or prisoner; you are all warmly invited to join us to reminisce on the achievement.

It would be helpful too, if you know of the where abouts of your mates, who owe you money and have gone walkabout in the intervening 20 years, to let us know where they are hiding so we can catch up with them.

John Coles esq. is generously sponsoring the day. It will be the last home game of the season, against Banbury, so we envisage a tidy turn out. Please get in touch and do your best to turn up. Please contact: Stan 01636 821466 or Charlie: 01636 707506, c.fehrs@btinternet.com

Charlie Fehrs

FUNDRAISING - WEATHER LOTTERY

Thursday, Feb 7 at 7.30pm in the clubhouse

Andy Clay and his sponsorship team will be doing a presentation on a new idea to raise funds. Please come along.

TWICKENHAM CAR PARK

One car park ticket for the Ireland game at Twickenham on March 15, cost £35. Please contact Andrew Fearn on 07887 916042.

PHOTOCOPIER

IT has taken years to arrive, but it is here now. Thanks to Andy of Danwood, who is a guest of Alan Swain’s today, the clubs has a new, hi-tech all-singing copier in the office. So the old, much abused one is up for grabs. Please contact Andrea in the club office to start negotiations.

SECURITY PLUS NOTTS PENNANT

A website link has been found where the Pennant tables can be found. Please log on to www.rfu.com/clubs/portals/keyworthRFC/SecPluPen.aspx

GOOD LUCK TO…

Grant Holmes, head coach of Banbury, in the match programme before his team played Newark “Not helping our cause has been the unprecedented number of injuries within the senior section. One week there were 16 players injured and with those kind of numbers missing we find it very difficult to put a competitive side on the pitch. One once such occasion we had the misfortune of forfeiting our Intermediate Cup match.’ Good luck to Banbury, we know the feeling.

v Syston 15th December 2007

NEWARK v SYSTON – Midlands Two East

Captain’s Tale

WELCOME to the last league game of 2007. It is fair to surmise that we have had a rollercoaster of a year but we have ended having had a respectable run in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup and are second in the league! Not a bad half way marker when we compare and contrast with the previous four seasons. Nevertheless, there is along way to go if we are to realise our potential.

Our last outing in the league was a superb trip to Banbury; a score line of 48-7 did not really flatter us and their skipper described our victory as one of the most complete team performances they had faced for several years. The usual suspects of Cove, Brewer, Fitz and Evans continued to provide the catalyst for our momentum (in defence and attack) backed up by the remainder of the 18, who all contributed to an outstanding away victory. Mark Miller (who must now be one of the quickest props in rugby) was the star of the show, reinforcing his selection at wing, under the watchful eye and direction of Mr. Byrom. Thanks to the committed few who made the trip.

We welcome back Syston this afternoon after a two-year sabbatical. They remain undefeated and have impressed everyone. Our first meeting was a one-sided encounter, so this afternoon not only represents an opportunity to close the gap at the top but also to exercise a few demons.

The relevant ‘sock’ will be funding the post-match activities for all teams so please feel free to top up the contributions. It only leaves me to congratulate Chenny, a man who has managed to supplement almost the entire First XV fines kitty on his own. His ability to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time, wearing the wrong kit, or simply trying neat grubber kicks when the five-man overlap would have done, has certainly made the ‘Court Room’ more eventful!

We are once again supported this afternoon by two of the club’s regular sponsors in Dan Godfrey and Wes Smith and their companies Wendgreen and . Their support is much appreciated. Finally, may I wish all players, supporters a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. I hope we can finish the year in style. Thanks for your support.

Danny Coen, captain

MIDLANDS TWO EAST

P W D L F A Pts

Syston 11 11 0 0 243 121 22

Newark 11 9 0 2 301 213 18

Hinckley 11 8 1 2 201 147 17

Kettering 11 8 0 3 375 135 16

Paviors 11 7 0 4 267 212 14

Matlock 11 7 0 4 247 226 14

Mkt Bos 11 4 1 6 154 199 9

Ampthill 11 4 0 7 194 239 8

Derby 11 4 0 7 163 232 8

O Northamp 11 2 0 9 204 262 4

Banbury 11 1 0 10 124 299 2

Melton 11 0 0 11 148 336 0

TODAY’S GAMES

Ampthill v Kettering, Derby v O Northamptonians, Hinckley v Banbury, Market Bosworth v Melton, Newark v Syston, Paviors v Matlock.

ALL THE SCORERS

SAT, NOV 24 – MIDLANDS TWO EAST

Newark 18 v 9 Matlock

Tries: Byrom, Brewer, Brummitt. Kicks: D Coen 1p.

Other scores: Ampthill 20, Melton 6-Derby 17, Market Bosworth 8-Hinckley 14, Kettering 12-Newark 18, Matlock 9-O Northampton 10, Syston 22-Paviors 41, Banbury 17.

Matlock 2nds 24 v 34 Newark 2nds

Tries: Jackson, Tomlinson, A Statham (2), Galinski, Webster. Kicks: Clark 2c.

Newark 3rds 48 v 0 Matlock 3rds

Tries: Johnson (2), Edwards (2), Knapton, Orrey, Sibilski (2). Kicks: Harrison 4c.

East Leake 2nds 0 v 34 Newark 4ths

Tries: Lee, Wildgust (2), White, Ellis, Booth. Kicks: Lee 1c, Wildgust 1c.

SATURDAY, DEC 1 – MIDLANDS TWO EAST

Banbury 7 v 48 Newark

Tries: L Cove, Cook, Miller, Spokes, Evans, Brewer (3). Kicks: D Coen 4 cons.

Other scores: Kettering 57, Paviors 0-Market Bosworth 19, Ampthill 15-Matlock 36, O Northamptonians 28-Melton 11, Hinckley 14-Syston 17, Derby 11.

Ollerton 10 v 59 Newark 2nds

Tries: Webster (2), Jackson, M Cove, Fagan, Mackinnon, Phillips, Hill, McCarthy. Kicks: Clark 6c, Hill 1c.

Newark 3rds 28 v 15 Mellish 2nds

Tries: Sibilski, Edwards, Harrison (2). Kicks: Harrison 1c, 2p.

Ripley Rhinos 10 v 12 Newark 4ths

Tries: French, Ellis.

SATURDAY, DEC 8

EDF ENERGY INTERMEDIATE CUP – 3rd rd ( Midlands)

Bedford Ath 38 v 0 Newark

Mansfield 2nds 10 v 33 Newark 2nds

Tries: M Cove (2), Waqalevu (2). Kicks: M Clark 2c, 3p.

Meden Vale 14 v 33 Newark 3rds

Tries: Johnson, Loftus, Edwards (2), Harrison. Kicks: Harrison 4c.

Newark 4ths 13 v 22 Univ of Derby

Tries: Coy, Booth. Kick: Lee 1p.

 EDF ENERGY INTERMEDIATE CUP – 3rd rd

Midlands : Ampthill 5, Loughborough Stus 3-Bedford Ath 38, Newark 0-Luctonians 64, Derby 0-Syston 3, Newport 10. North: Birkenhead Pk v Cleckheaton postp, Chester 15, Broughton Pk 6-Middlesbrough 34, Aspatria 0-Stockport 39, Carlisle 0.

4 th rd, London SE & SW: (Jan 14): Basingstoke or Dorking v Clevedon, Bracknell v Haywards Heath, O Albanians v Coney Hill, Staines v Taunton or Cheltenham. North/Midlands: Birkenhead Pk or Cleckheaton v Luctonians, Chester v Ampthill, Middlesbrough v Bedford Ath, Newport v Stockport.

TEAM NOTES

1 st XV

UP until the trip to Bedford, the three weeks since a programme was last passed around had been a memorable one. According to eye witnesses, the post-match feeling after the victory over Matlock was so euphoric that one oldie (he shall remain nameless) led a rendition of his favourite – ‘Craven A’ – with all those eccentric actions not seen since he was carried out of ski bar in Austria. The wins over Matlock (18-9) and Banbury (48-7) have inspired some unusually buoyant headlines. The Evening Post (a must buy every Wednesday when Newark win!) was ‘ Newark play the generation game’ and was full of praise for two oldies in Byrom and Brummitt. Ok, Martin was taught by Richard but he has hit 30 now and must accept the veteran tag. After that heady afternoon, those who went to Banbury returned talking about Jon Evans’ ‘wonder try’ while Matt Brewer bemoaned that he had been singled out on the bus coming home because he had ginger hair and a funny smile. He had also grabbed a hat trick which, perhaps, was another reason why he had to be brought down to earth. Full deflation took place the following week when Bedford Athletic won 38-0 in the third round of the Intermediate Cup. Please ask Mr Brummitt snr and Mr Whitehead what they thought about the admission cost.

2nd XV

THAT 33-10 over Mansfield last Saturday gives Alex Jackson’s men four out of four. An unlikely centre partnership has emerged in Gareth Bartsch and Jon Webster while Jasper Nissim and Matt Clark ran the show at Eakring Road. It was afternoon of some predictability in that Mansfield had three players sin binned and two tries each came from Matt Cove and Buddah Waqalevu. The previous week the 2nds decamped to Ollerton after the Law School cried off. Webster, back at flanker, scored two tries in a victory by nine tries to one. There is no stopping Webster because he grabbed one in the 34-24 win over Matlock 2nds and is high among Alex’s points tables.

Top Points : Chris Roberts    49 - 3 tries - 11 cons - 4 penalties, Matthew Clark   40 - 1 try - 13 cons - 3 pens, Ben Walker 30 - 3 tries - 6 cons - 1 pen, Jason Phillips  30 - 6 tries, Alex Statham 30 - 6 tries.

Try Scorers : Alex Statham 6, Jason Phillips 6, Tom Hill 4, Mark Staines 4, Alex Jackson 3, Jon Webster 3, Matt Cove 3, Ben McCarthy 3, Chris Roberts 3, Ben Walker 3.

3rd XV

First the stats: played 16, won 16, points for 623, points against 181. It will be interesting today what strength of team Derby send having lost to Dan’s team already this season. The 500 figure was passed when Matlock were squatted 48-0. That set Dan’s men up for a showdown against Mellish 2nds who are among the rival front runners in the Pennant. Good to hear that Daley Edwards, who had a game or two for the 1sts a couple of seasons ago, is playing regularly. He scored a crucial try in the 28-15 win over Mellish by dragging four opponents with him. Mellish had turned round 8-3 up but there was no stopping Dan’s men in the second half.

4th XV

Five wins on the bounce have been followed by two close defeats in the Pennant. Martin’s platoon provided the entertainment last week for the home only brigade and the efforts in the pouring rain were well received. “Some good skills in spite of the weather” was one comment from a hardy soul who abandoned the clubhouse in favour of a walk. The one that got away in Martin’s view was the loss to Ripley Rhinos, 10-12. Though, ever the optimist, the captain claimed a victory of sort by saying his men had won the second half 10-0. Good to hear one or two colts have discovered Saturday rugby.

COLTS

IF the weather relents then the Colts should be playing tomorrow, against Paviors, at 1pm. The scheduled game against Derby on Thursday was postponed due to the frost. Watch out for future fixtures, including a National Plate game at Hinckley.

ROUND ABOUT

CHRISTMAS DRAW

Message from Jacki

‘Daniel, Nathan and Josh Hunter are so grateful to those members of the Rugby Club who have contributed so generously to the Prize Fund for the Christmas Draw. This means that Grandma Jacki will not have to make up the short-fall and will be buying them presents this Christmas!’

Many thanks, Jacki Hunter, president.

Thursday at 9pm after the Vets v Virgins Match, kick off 7.30pm. First Prize £500.

UP FOR THE CUP

FOR the first Christmas in recent memory we have reached the Festive period having established ourselves snugly in the upper reaches of a league table rather than be facing a winter and spring of doom and gloom. Thanks to Danny and the two Bobs for an uplifting autumn.

So it’s time to put the Cup on the agenda. The big email this week was the announcement of the draw for the NLD Cup semi-finals. If we beat Moderns (scheduled Saturday, Jan 12) then we have a home game (yes, HOME) against Mansfield to look forward to. “Bring it on,” as Frank Warren might say.

Thoughts of Warren and his boxing men were among the memories driving into Bedford last week. I always got lost trying to find Goldington Road and was surprised that the Bedford Athletic ground was far easier to locate, though the beer did not match the fine pint that the Blues pride themselves on serving up. In fact, the welcome at National League Bedford, even in the days of Warren and his men, is always far more friendly than the welcome offered at Athletic last week.

Athletic proved to be one trip too many in the Intermediate Cup. What with a £5 admission charge, the poor weather, there was little to cheer. Unless I have read the regulations wrong (again), gate-sharing belongs to the National Trophy and the determined raffle seller who insisted Newark would be receiving half the gate money had been seriously misled by someone. Hopefully, next season we might be in the higher competition even if it will be difficult to extract a fiver from some Kelham Road regulars. The lowest moment of the season so far was when one spectator offered two sweets in return for a £2 programme. Oh well, happy Christmas even to Mr Scrooge and his mates on the terraces.

Rob Wildman – Hon Sec

SECURITY PLUS NOTTS PENNANT

A website link has been found where the Pennant tables can be found. Please log on to www.rfu.com/clubs/portals/keyworthRFC/SecPluPen.aspx

 CANTEEN CORNER…

Grant Holmes, head coach of Banbury, in the match programme before his team played Newark “Not helping our cause has been the unprecedented number of injuries within the senior section. One week there were 16 players injured and with those kind of numbers missing we find it very difficult to put a competitive side on the pitch. One once such occasion we had the misfortune of forfeiting our Intermediate Cup match.’ Good luck to Banbury, we know the feeling of a struggling season.

v Matlock 24th November 2007

NEWARK v MATLOCK – Midlands Two East

Captain’s Tale

LAST Saturday was a great day for the club on many levels - not least that we bounced back from a dreadful result against Syston, the league leaders, to topple a side, South Leicester, flying high in Midlands One. The performance spurred a terrific response from all the supporters and a raucous clubhouse made all the more merry by a clean sweep of four wins for the senior teams for the first time this season.

With so many changes (from what has become a recognised starting line up), the South Leicester game could have been seen as an unwanted interruption to the main league campaign. However, such is the increasing strength and belief in the squad that every game represents an opportunity to win a place. This was reinforced on Saturday as several returning faces gave the two Bobs plenty to think about going into today’s selection.

There were some outstanding individual performances in a superb team display but it was Paul Cook who led the line last week, inspiring the team with his combative midfield display. He was unanimously nominated as the players ‘man of the match’ and, in my opinion, shaped our victory with his ferocious and relentless defence.

We welcome back Matlock this afternoon who, after a sluggish start, are now rocketing through the table. Last season’s final game here at Kelham Road was a very physical encounter - we were fighting for our Midlands Two status and Matlock were looking to cement a play-off spot. No doubt today will be another evenly fought battle.

Belated thanks to all those who contributed to ‘player re-hydration’ last weekend - it was much appreciated and certainly added to a great afternoon. Thank you again to Masding Clothing of Middlegate for sponsoring the man-of-the-match award and to Tony Aspbury for his company’s kind backing of today’s match.

Tony is a long-standing vice president, sponsor and coach who is presently helping to look after the girls’ section. He has views on many topics, but, perhaps, this afternoon is not quite the place to talk about the re-development of Newark town centre and the ASDA project. Let’s keep the talk to rugby and another good game.

Next Saturday we have a bus trip to Banbury. Andy Clay has booked a big bus so all supporters are welcome on board. The following week we are away again, having drawn Bedford Athletic in the third round of the EDF Intermediate Cup. They are another Midlands One club so it will be another tough afternoon.

Danny Coen, club captain.

TODAY’S GAMES

Ampthill v Melton, Derby v Market Bosworth, Hinckley v Kettering, Newark v Matlock, Old Northamptonians v Syston, Paviors v Banbury.

Next Saturday: Banbury v Newark, Kettering v Paviors, Market Bosworth v Ampthill, Matlock v Old Northamptonians, Melton v Hinckley, Syston v Derby.

ALL THE SCORERS

Saturday, Nov 17

EDF Energy Intermediate Cup – 2nd rd

Newark 22 v 20 South Leicester

Tries: Staines, M Cove, Claydon. Kicks: D Coen 2c, 1p.

Notts Pennant

Newark 2nds 52 v 19 Moderns 2nds

Tries: Ben Walker (2), Hill, Coote, Jackson, J Statham, MacKinnon, Nissim. Kicks: Walker 4c, Clark 2c.

Moderns 3rds 17 v 71 Newark 3rds

Tries: Johnson, Pitcher (2), Skelton, Gourley (2), Wing, Hodges (2), Loftus, McKewen (2), Harrison. Kicks: Harrison 8c.

West Bridgford Vets 12 v 19 Newark 4ths

Tries: Lee, Randall (2). Kicks: Blood 2c.

ENGLISH COLTS CUP – 2 nd Rd

Market Bosworth 14 v 10 Newark

EDF ENERGY INTERMEDIATE CUP – 2nd rd

Midlands section 2 nd rd: Ampthill 33, Walsall 19-Bedford Ath 35, Dudley Kingswinford 15-Burton 15, Loughborough Stus 46-Derby 34, Market Bosworth 5-Kettering 10, Dunstablians 24-Luctonians walk over v Banbury, Newark 22, South Leicester 20-Paviors 17, Newport 23-Syston 27, Whitchurch 13.

Third rd draw Sat, Dec 8

London & SE: Basingstoke v Dorking, Haywards Heath v Dunstablians, Staines v O Colfeians, Wimbledon v O Albanians.

Midlands: Ampthill v Loughborough Stus, Bedford Ath v Newark, Luctonians v Derby, Syston v Newport.

North: Birkenhead Pk v Cleckheaton, Chester v Broughton Pk, Middlesbrough v Aspatria, Stockport v Carlisle.

S & S West: Bracknell v Exmouth, Clevedon v Bournemouth, Coney Hill v Reading, Taunton v Cheltenham.

LATEST TABLE

P W D L F A Pts

Syston 9 9 0 0 204 100 18

Kettering 9 7 0 2 306 121 14

Newark 9 7 0 2 235 197 14

Hinckley 9 6 1 2 173 124 13

Paviors 9 6 0 3 226 138 12

Matlock 9 6 0 3 202 180 12

Mkt Bosworth 9 3 1 5 128 167 7

Ampthill 9 3 0 6 159 214 6

Derby 9 3 0 6 135 207 6

O Northampton 9 2 0 7 166 204 4

Banbury 9 1 0 8 100 210 2

Melton 9 0 0 9 131 303 0

www.newarkrugby.com

TEAM NOTES

1 st XV

IF one eye witness is to be believed then some supporters last week were calling for Mark Staines to be the next president after the win over South Leicester. His first-half try set the Kelham Road faithful on “fire” according to the same informant who also admitted that Saturday had turned into a very full afternoon and an even more silly evening. ‘Stainesy’ described his try as a touch of class. “I can’t claim it was from far out, unlike the one I scored for the county XV last week, but it was certainly a touch of class,” he said in his very modest manner. “I somehow.” he continued, “picked up one of Dobbo’s better passes and burst clear from their 22. And ‘xxxx’ me stupid Charlie Claydon had the legs to keep up to take the ball on the burst which allowed me to back him up and take the return pass to score.” It is good to hear that our Mark has retained his place in a team disrupted by all sorts of comings and goings before the match.

Quite how Richard Byrom thought he was fit when he could hardly walk from his car, let alone think of running, shows his determination to play. The good news this week is that Professor Byrom was set for a Friday in Coventry where his task was nothing more onerous than setting exam papers. Evidently, according to information received, he spent last Friday trying to set the pace in a cross country race from the Dukeries School which resulted, surprise, surprise, in one of his parts falling off.

2nd XV

THE good news is that Alex Jackson’s men made it on to the pitch this week after they were left sat in the dressing room the previous week when Ilkeston failed to pitch up. And they played some good stuff, too, especially in the second half when they run in five tries. If Alex is to be believed then Jasper Nissim scored a try that matched the one grabbed by Stainesy. The second-half surge made up for a sticky first half where Ben Walker’s tries and kicks helped keep the scores tied at 19-19. The end result was a 52-19 win which keeps Alex’s men alongside Mellish at the top of the Notts Pennant.

3rd XV

WELCOME back Jim McKewen. The centre scored two tries in a 71-17 victory over Moderns 3rds. Tries galore but the man-of-match award must go to Tom ‘I’m near 50’ Pykett for his 80 minutes at hooker. ‘He still looks 21,’ reported one admirer.

4th XV

NAME the player who has become a ball-winning expert and has also sent off a player this season? The answer is ‘Mr Tin Legs’ Richard Macfarlane. It is good to hear that his rugby career is enjoying something of an Indian summer. He is so light (12st soaking wet, according to Mrs Spank) that he has become a front-of-the-line jumper where he is held up like a glove puppet. His exploits have helped Martin Brown’s men put together a run of three wins. The sequence started at Leesbrook where he shared refereeing duties with Stan and sent off one of their men for stamping. “He had to go,” was his firm view.

Rob Wildman

ROUND ABOUT

FAST TRACK

CLAIRE Hodnett continues to make her mark in the world of refereeing as The Advertiser featured on Friday. She is part of the ‘fast track’ programme which has earmarked a number of women referees with the potential to officiate at the next women’s World Cup in 2010.

All potential Fast Track referees must prove their dedication and commitment to the game and to their own self development by getting involved in one of the most demanding aspects of rugby. The skill sets are varied but include mental agility, physical fitness, time management and a commitment to on going development. Good luck, Claire.

BUS TRIPS

TWO big buses have been booked for the next two weekends. The first step is Banbury for a league fixture next Saturday followed by another trip south the following weekend when we are away to Bedford Athletic in the third round of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup. A place in the Twickenham final remains a long way off but for the optimistic and those who like to plan then please book down Saturday, April 12. However, the kick off is fixed for 10am to allow the Trophy final to start at noon followed by the Anglo-Welsh final at 2.30pm.

SECURITY PLUS NOTTS PENNANT

A website link has been found where the Pennant tables can be found. Please log on to www.rfu.com/clubs/portals/keyworthRFC/SecPluPen.aspx A quick glance shows Newark doing very well so far. Alex’s second XV are in third place behind Ilkeston and Lincoln though the good win over Moderns has yet to be taken into account. Dan’s 3 rd team are challenging Mellish but have only played five games to the Nottingham team’s seven. And finally, Martin’s men in the fourth team are in satisfactory mid-table slot, nine points behind Derby Vets who are a bit too good for that table.

SHOP

SHEILA says “get your Christmas gifts before it’s too late.” Our Top Tiger has a full range of Newark goodies plus, of course, Leicester gear too. Lots of new stock arriving – warm reversible jackets, hats, scarves and gloves etc. Xmas is coming.

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR…

DAVID Marshall. He played his first proper game of rugby last weekend when appearing as a substitute for the under-15s against Hull Ionians. Unfortunately, he broke a bone in his foot in his very first tackle and needed to have an operation on Wednesday to have a plate inserted. So it is good luck to David for a very speedy recovery.

THE OTHER SIDE…

Leicester Mercury – Tuesday night. Tim Cooke, South Leicester’s manager, reported after last week’s loss at Kelham Road. “We had a few injuries and a few players who needed resting. So we took a depleted side and they did very well. We were leading 20-15 with about 15 minutes to go but Newark scored a relatively late try, which was converted from the touch line to give the win.”