Newark did look to be edging an entertaining contest

Newark 1st team stumbled in the final minutes of this tight first-round tie in the end-of-season Papa John’s RFU Cup.

On Grand National day, it meant for the second season running Newark fell at the first hurdle following defeat to Peterborough in April 2023.

It was also a final Saturday at Kelham Road for long-serving captain Will Britten who has announced his decision to step down after six seasons leading from the centre.

Newark did look to be edging an entertaining contest when fly half George Leeson put his team ahead at 25-24 thanks to his second penalty goal 18 minutes from time.

However, Dronfield struck back in dominating the final stages which ultimately, despite Newark’s sturdy defence, brought a converted try to decide the tie.

Newark did finish the match on the attack but wasted one line-out ploy in the Dronfield 22 and could not breakthrough.

Overall, it was a flat end to a campaign which brought eighth place in the league and many memorable scores along the way led by the club’s two speedsters in Josh Ashe and Ovi Gilder.

A good start had given Newark Cup hope and early scores from prop Harry Wright and Gilder had earned a 12-7 lead.

Dronfield proved stubborn opponents and were always dangerous, their fly half dashing over for a try in the lead up to half-time.

The visitors turned round 24-15 up as Newark went a man down following a yellow card offence.

The second half saw another dart from Gilder who burst through for a second try which Leeson converted.

That cut Dronfield’s lead to 22-24 and Leeson added a further penalty to put Newark a point ahead at 25-24 which proved not sufficient to withstand final minutes of pressure.

The 1sts have one more date – a midweek NLD Cup match at home to Scunthorpe – scheduled for Wednesday 8 May. A decision to confirm that fixture will be made in the coming week.

Newark team: Ashe; Catley, Britten, Williams, Gilder; George Leeson, Tarbatt; Ashton, Fern, Wright, Ellison, Alexander, O’Leary, Dodders, Dobson. Subs: Godfrey, Joshie Waqalevu, Vinters, Brogden, Corcoran. Tries: Gilder (2), Wright. Conversions: Leeson (2). Penalty goals: Leeson (2)

Coming Up Next Saturday – April 20

2nd team NLD Cup match at home versus Chesterfield, kick off 2pm.

Followed By
Matty Boddy Memorial Match
Newark 3rds v Old Boys XV – kick off 4pm.
‘Old Boys’ organiser is Martin Brown