On the pitch, a reshuffled team proved itself.

A Festive crowd – fuelled on turkey and all the trimmings – were given a rousing display to cheer thanks to another whole-hearted effort from Newark.

Will Britten’s team reserved their best until last when tries from Ovi Gilder and Alex Scott raced them clear of dogged opponents by six tries to five.

After the floods and frost difficulties over the past month, it was uplifting that the team returned to playing after two postponements and a weekend off in the calendar.

A soft Kelham Road pitch was good enough to allow a fair contest between two well-matched teams.

It was also a triumph for all the hard work from club staff and volunteers in getting the pitch and clubhouse back in use after another flood over the last two weeks.

Before the match there was a minute’s silence in memory of referee Matt Coultas, 37, an official in the Notts, Lincs & Derbys Society, who died recently from a heart attack. Everyone at Newark RUFC sends their sympathy and thoughts to his family and friends.

On the pitch, a reshuffled team proved itself, led by an assured display at fly half from George Leeson.

He kicked 12 points and kept Newark going forward. Up front, the forwards worked as hard as ever backed up by the second-half introduction of Harry Wright and Olly Cook.

Newark started quickly and scored first through back-rower Sam Dobson to start a hectic 40-minute period that ended in a 23-17 margin to the home team. Melbourne led at one stage and were always dangerous.

After Dobson’s try from short range, Newark’s second came outwide when Gilder burst clear to finish off a well-executed move which started from the other side of the pitch off a line-out. Leeson converted to be followed later in the half by two penalties.

In between, Newark’s third was another splendid score, wing Tommy Williams touching down after Britten’s kick had caught the defence off guard.

Newark took charge further after the break and the introduction of Wright sparked an excellent inter-change which ended in the forward scoring a try which Leeson converted.

Melbourne still gained plenty of possession and a Newark yellow card helped the visitors post a fourth try and a bonus point.
However, Newark fended off Melbourne in a further attack before those fine tries sealed the win.

Gilder burst clear in midfield off a well-timed pass from Leeson and then had the pace to score which the fly half improved.

To cap that score, Scott, a second-half substitute, brought his speed and attacking zeal for Newark’s sixth and final try.

To round off a fluctuating match, Melbourne had the last word in scoring a fifth to round of a match of 11 tries.

Newark now break for the holiday period and resume league fixtures on Saturday 6 January at Paviors, kick off 2.15pm.

The next home match is a week later (Jan 13), against West Bridgford, kick off 2.15pm.

Details
Team: Ashe; Williams, Britten (capt), Walton, Gilder; George Leeson, Charles; Godfrey, Vinters, Chapple, Ellison, Jackson, O’Leary, Dodders, Dobson.
Subs: Wright, Scott, Cook.
Tries: Ellison, Gilder (2), Ashe, Wright, Scott. Conversions: Leeson (3). Penalty goals: Leeson (2).

Don’t Forget
Tuesday 26 December 2023
Boxing Day President’s Match – kick off noon.
Players: please contact James Offer, Chris Tate or Nik Codd.
Spectators – all welcome. Bar open….