All seemed set for a Newark try fest!

As someone who played in the same side as George Crawford - a tough prop of the old school - it was great to watch a Newark and a RAF representative side battle it out once again for his memorial trophy.

George's family were present to witness the occasion and one of his sons made a heartwarming speech at the presentation ceremony.

It was perhaps fitting that Newark's first try came in a manner that George would have loved. A solid lineout and maul ended with young Nathan Leeson - hitherto known as a centre - crossing for the opening try.

However the second try came in a manner that would probably have annoyed George. A dropped RAF pass was pounced on by Josh Ashe who raced under the posts.
James Archdale added his second conversion.

Newark were really in charge for much of the opening exchanges and showed some nice touches and crisp handling. The RAF seemed to have pulled one back but were penalised for the new offence of dipping into contact.

Ovi Gilder was put into space on a number of occasions and seemed to relish the contact . New recruit Tommy Williams also caught the eye in the centres before Matt Walton went over after Fly Half Will Britten unselfishly passed close to the line.

The half time score was 19-0 and all seemed set for a Newark try fest. But the second period was scrappy. Neither side was able to establish much rhythm - the referee assiduously punished each and every offence to the letter of the law.

A clever crossfield kick from the RAF fly half into the wind was neatly taken by the winger and the subsequent breakout led to a sustained period of pressure on Newark's line. We demonstrated a great degree of determination and courage to keep the RAF from scoring.

Some more swift handling created a try for Jack Drabble and a similar breakout - with Buddha providing an important link - led to a deserved try for Williams

That stretched Newark's lead to 31 points but the RAF fought back, scoring one try after finding a gap at the breakdown and another from a strong individual break in open play.

It was great to see both RAF sides at Kelham Road. Over the decades many top class RAF players have turned out for Newark at Kelham Road and it's nice to see those links continue.

Tries: Nathan Leeson, Josh Ashe, Matt Walton, Jack Drabble, Tommy Williams.
Conversions James Archdale (3)