1sts BRING DOWN HIGH-FLYING TAMWORTH IN DETERMINED DISPLAY

The 1sts resumed their league season and in a determined display earned their fourth win of the campaign.

First-half tries from Sam Dobson and Josh Ashe paved the way for a 17-0 lead at half-time. This attacking play was then backed up by some good defence in the second half against high-flying Tamworth who had arrived at Kelham Road having only lost once this season.

The fact that Newark and Tamworth kicked off this game at all was a tribute to groundsman David Rhodes as the whole ground was under feet of water only a fortnight before. Wet and dank conditions gave no optimism for a running game.

After a midfield tussle when both sides tested their opposition, Newark started to impose pressure and won a penalty in the opposition 22.

Ovi Gilder threatened Tamworth with a good run before Newark pinned Tamworth in their own 22 leading to a Newark scrum.

Newark made it count when Sam Dobson went over from a smart oblique little run. James Tarbatt converted to give Newark a 7-0 lead.

Newark continued to exert pressure and a line-out in the opposition 22 on the right led to an attacking rolling maul and a try on the left to Newark's Josh Ashe. Once again it was converted by Tarbatt. 14-0.

At this stage Newark were controlling the forward battle and their line speed in defence frustrated the Tamworth backs.

Newark continued to exert pressure without success until they won a penalty in front of the posts to make the score 17-0. Half time followed shortly afterwards.

Newark kicked off against the wind and the second half quickly developed into a midfield tussle with neither side able to claim the advantage.

As Tamworth slowly gained territorial advantage, they failed to help themselves by twice kicking the ball dead. Newark were unable to break out and became enmeshed in a dogged defensive battle for the last quarter.

Throughout this period, Newark defended brilliantly although Tamworth appeared to have scored but a knock on was called.

Tempers became frayed and two separate scuffles ensued. There was no other excitement save for a late yellow card for Newark and the home side ran out deserved 17-0 winners.

Newark team: Drabble; Charles, Ashe, Walton, Gilder; Britten (capt), Tarbatt; Godfrey, Vinters, White, Ellison, Duncan, Dobson, Dodders, Brogden.
Subs: Bartsch, O’Leary, Jackson.

Tries: Dobson, Ashe.
Conversions: Tarbatt (2).
Penalty goal: Tarbatt.

Next match – away to Mellish next Saturday (Nov 11) kick off 2.15pm.

Photo – man-of-the-match! David Rhodes on his tractor in lead up to Saturday’s match.