Late tries reward 1st team’s enterprise and endeavour

Saturday October 11
Regional Two North Midlands
Newark 31 Matlock 22

Two late tries brought Newark victory in a fluctuating encounter which saw visitors Matlock leading 22-19 going into the final quarter.
Newark finished the match stronger and more co-ordinated to pull clear thanks to tries from forceful forward substitute Sam Dobson and then wing Josh Ashe.

Overall Newark won by five tries to three in an excellent contest which provided some entertaining rugby.

It also put Newark’s season back on track after the disappointment of a thrashing in the previous match at West Bridgford.

Captain Will Britten, later celebrating his 30th birthday, returned at fly half after missing the match at Bridgford due to injury. Also back in line up was full-back James Archdale who has been out since the opening match against Sutton Coldfield.

Newark started quickly and took control through No 8 James Brogden, backing up a break by James Tarbatt, and wing Ovi Gilder who shot clear for the first of two tries.

With Tarbatt converting both tries Newark led 14-0 only for the home team to allow Matlock back into the contest as they replied twice to close the contest at 14-12.

Newark regrouped and maintained their attacking thirst to conjure the best try of the match which started in Gilder racing clear from his own half, having fielded a kick ahead.

Gilder’s jinking run caused mass panic in the Matlock defence and finished in front-rower Jed Chapple forcing his way over after Britten had been stopped just short.

Newark turned round 19-12 up but started the second half slowly and Matlock took advantage to score a third try before a penalty edged them ahead at 22-19.

Matlock’s best period had been funded by Newark conceding a succession of penalties after ignoring a kick at goal.

However, the brain fade was quickly replaced by a clinical finish orchestrated by the strong running up front of Dobson and pack mate Will Ellison.

Some strong forward play ended in Dobson finishing off to be followed by Ashe who wriggled over after he had been tackled in the right corner. But his momentum was too much for the Matlock defenders.

Newark almost gained a sixth try in the final moments but newcomer Will Hickton, who came on as a substitute wing, was stopped inches short.

A good win for Newark would have delighted John Beddoe, the club’s life member, who died two weeks ago. As an appreciation of his contribution to the club a minute’s silence was observed before kick off.

Team: Archdale; Ashe, Williams, Walton, Gilder; Britten (capt), Tarbatt; Godfrey, Chapple, White, Ellison, Stamp, Dodders, O’Leary, Brogden. Subs: Vinters, Dobson, Hickton.

Tries: Brogden, Gilder, Chapple, Ashe Dobson. Conversions: Tarbatt (3).

Next Saturday: away to Lichfield, kick off 3pm.
Other results: Melbourne 22-Paviors 26-Sutton Coldfield 33, Mellish 27-Walsall 22, Tamworth 25-Wolverhampton 14, Lichfield 38-Long Eaton 26, West Bridgford 20.