Bustling start ultimately brings only losing bonus point

Newark had to settle for a losing bonus point after a bustling start had threatened to overrun West Bridgford at Kelham Road.
After the great efforts to get the pitch fit, following a third flood in three months, the teams provided an excellent contest which Bridgford edged by two tries to one.

Newark started at full tilt and a try from wing Josh Ashe, following Ovi Gilder’s surge through the midfield, was reward for a good start which should have brought more.

However, Newark missed out on further chances and Bridgford levelled just before half-time following a series of line-outs on the home line.
Newark started the second half on the attack and a break by Alex Scott, who had helped put Ashe over in the first half, almost brought a second try.

Bridgford survived that attack and worked a try on the right just after the hour mark which was converted for a 5-12 lead.

The final 15 minutes brought some hectic rugby after Bridgford had stretched their lead through a penalty for a scrum offence.

Newark finished strongly and a penalty from fly George Leeson cut the advantage to 8-15.

Injury time brought more tension for both teams. Bridgford hit an upright from a further penalty attempt and Newark almost snatched a late try when a prolonged attack broke down on a forward pass.

Overall, Newark needed more composure though there were some terrific efforts in a much improved performance considering Bridgford won the first match in September, 52-0.

Newark travel to Wolverhampton next Saturday (Jan 20) for a re-arranged match which was postponed due to frost in December.

Team v West Bridgford: Scott; Ashe, Britten, Walton, Gilder; Leeson, Charles; Ashton, Chapple, Wright, Ellison, Brogden, O’Leary, Dodders, Dobson.
Subs: Vinters, Jackson, Williams.

Try: Ashe. Penalty goal: Leeson.