Newark stun league leaders Long Eaton

Newark produced an exhilarating display of attacking rugby and solid defence to surprise Long Eaton (LE) with a 9 try victory.

Only 2 months ago LE had opened an extension to their Clubhouse which has transformed the surroundings. Scott Quinnell spoke at lunchtime, offering his forthright views on a range of topics. Interestingly, there were 2 RFU Council Members present, which generated some lively discussions!

Newark were first out of the blocks showing their attacking intent from the kick off. After only 3 mins a searing break by Scott and further good handling led to the first try scored by Tarbatt, converted by Scott.

LE were stung into action and after some good open play scored their first try after only 10 mins, with the conversion levelling the scores at 7-7.

The match was only 18 mins old when Newark won a solid scrum from which excellent handling in the backs gave skipper Will Britten the chance to score Newark’s 2nd try, converted by Scott.

It was all Newark now, with LE struggling with the pace of the game and the precision of Newark’s passing. Scott missed a penalty, then after another excellent break scored a try of his own, duly converted to give a 21-7 lead after only 25 mins.

LE were struggling to make any inroads due to Newark’s tenacious defence. Just prior to half time following an excellent line out drive, Newark’s scrum half Tarbatt found JD on hand to crash over and secure the bonus point try.

If LE were hoping to make a 2nd half comeback, they were quickly disappointed when Newark turned up the pace even further and scored 4 tries in under 20 mins.
First, after a charge down, it was Matt Walton who went over, then Scott, following some outstanding handling, added to his tally with his 2nd try, duly converted, making it 38-7 after only 50 mins.

LE were shell shocked, with a deliberate knock-on preventing a near certain Newark try, resulting in a yellow card.

Following another well executed line-out drive, Jamie Vinters went over. Only 3 mins later Newark launched a counter attack from deep in their own half, ending with a superb team try for James Brogden, Scott’s conversion bringing up the 50 points.

LE started to win more possession and reverted to their trademark style of getting large forwards running strongly into the midfield defence.
Following a lost Newark line-out LE scored their 2nd try, followed a few mins later by a ‘typical’ LE forwards try.

With 10 mins remaining, Newark were determined to finish on a high and deny LE a try bonus point. After some more great play in the backs, Scott gave a very neat offload in the tackle to give Ovidus Gilder a simple run in for his first try on his 1st XV debut.
With full time approaching, Gilder got away from the defence, only to be pulled up inches from the line.

Despite pressure in the scrums, Newark managed to secure their own possession, with Brogden doing well at the base of the scrum. The line-out functioned well and the defence, by both backs and forwards, was consistently excellent.

Newark wanted to play a fast-paced game from the outset. This was helped by an excellent playing surface and a referee who was consistently good throughout the match.

Next Saturday, Newark are at home for the re-arranged match v Oadby Wyggestonians. KO is at 2.15 and there are still places available for lunch. Oadby had an excellent win away v Sutton Coldfield, so another tough encounter is expected.

After the Newark game, enjoy the company of your rugby pals and watch England v Scotland in the Clubhouse.

Report from ALAN SWAIN