THE KILLER BLOW CAME JUST AFTER HALF-TIME

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday, Sept 26
Midlands One East
Wellingborough 33 Newark 17

Three second-half tries brought Newark some reward from an afternoon of chances at Wellingborough.

If Newark had grabbed the initiative during an excellent start they might have upset a Wellingborough team who went on to post a third win in four games.

But Newark failed to make the good work count especially after an opening break by wing Matt Brewer had broken down.

Wellingborough struck back midway into the first half and a breakaway try following a Newark attack led by captain Matt Clark, opened the scoring, followed by two penalties and a second try in the lead up to half-time.

However, the killer blow came just after half-time when Newark failed to control the ball at a scrum near halfway and allowed Wellingborough to escape for a third try and a lead of 25-0.

To Newark’s credit they fought back and dominated the half to gain those tries through fly half Dan Mackie, flanker Jaymie Duncan (his first league try) and Clark.
The scores by Mackie and Duncan both came off sharp attacks where Newark showed off good running skills and support work.

A powerful run by wing Johnny Statham set up the position for Mackie’s try while a midfield break from Aloesi Waqalevu, backed up by Luke Tupholme and Jed Chapple, created the opening for Duncan to finish off.

When captain Clark, who hurt his leg in the process, scooted over for Newark’s third try, following a scrum, the home lead had been cut to 28-12, Wellingborough having kicked a penalty after the second visiting try.

However, Wellingborough had the final say, scoring a fourth try, out wide on the right, to seal a bonus point.

Newark fielded all three substitutes in Jason Barnsdale and two debutants in Matt Gibson and Alex Scott.

Next up for Newark is a home game against Newbold on Saturday (Oct 3), kick 3pm.

Team (v Wellingborough): Ford; Statham, Waqalevu, Tupholme, Statham; Mackie, Clark (capt); Priestly, Tomlinson, Chapple, Williams, Primett, Webster, Crosby, Duncan.

Subs: Barnsdale, Gibson, Scott.

Tries: Mackie, Duncan, Clark. Conversion: Mackie.

Rob Wildman