Slow start and handling errors cost Newark dearly

It was a bright afternoon at Burntstump with the pitch in surprisingly good condition. Highly placed Paviors had only lost one of their previous 8 matches and had been able to field a very settled back line. Newark, however, have been hardly unable to train at Kelham Rd for the past 2 months due to the floods.

Newark needed a good start, but exactly the opposite occurred.
Straight from the kick off Paviors showed their attacking intent, moving the ball confidently in their backs before going over for their first try after just 2 mins, with Newark not having touched the ball.

Paviors added to Newark’s woes with a second try under the posts after only 6 mins, duly converted to make it 12-0 to the hosts.

Newark were now starting to win some decent possession and Leeson put a fine kick deep into the opposition 22. Paviors won their own line out and indifferent defence by Newark allowed them to race the length of the pitch for their 3rd try, again converted, after only 18 mins.

Newark responded well and, showing some fluency, put Ashe over for a fine try after 22 mins. Newark were now more than matching Paviors and there were hopes of a comeback. However these were dashed when Pavs went over with the last play of the first half and again immediately after the break, making in 29-5.

Winning good possession Newark were attacking with speed and intent. A promising move came to an unfortunate end when Pavs made an interception and again ran in from long range.

Newark continued to attack and Leeson went over for a fine try against his former club, adding the conversion. Newark were now dominating possession, but poor handling let them down on a number of occasions. However, after a number of forward drives, Ollie Dodders went over for Newark’s third try.

Two further tries by Pavs sealed their victory despite having a player red carded for violent play.

Hopes of a 4th try for Newark and a losing bonus point were high as they pummelled the home teams line, only for the chance to go begging, before the final whistle went.

Newark can take heart from several aspects of the game. The line outs generally worked well and the scrums improved throughout the match.

Next Saturday we face West Bridgford at Kelham Road, although chances of being able to play are currently slim due to the extensive flooding.