NEWARK HAD PLENTY OF POSSESSION

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday, Oct 10

Midlands One East
Northampton Old Scouts 49 Newark 10

Newark had plenty of possession at Northampton Old Scouts but could never threaten the home team sufficiently to create good chances.

A second-half try from James Price, starting his first senior game at tight-head, was the high point for Newark who fielded a much-changed team from the one which had started out the previous week.

The absence of several senior names from the trip left Newark selecting a squad including 10 players under-20.

The young Newarkers included the halfback pairing of Alex O’Dell and Alex Scott with Connor Slack at centre. Up front, Rory Williams returned at lock while Tom Crosby and James Newman were in the back row.

Another new face came off the bench in prop Jordan Hempstead backed up by another chance off the bench for Matt Gibson in the back row.

After two early penalties for Old Scouts, the match turned when they visitors had a sin binning allowing the home team to take charge for a 25-3 lead at half-time.

Dan Mackie kicked a penalty for Newark.

Newark’s best moment came when Price forced his way over from a driving maul. Mackie converted the score following that earlier penalty.

Newark team v Northampton Old Scouts: Hill;
Mackie, O’Leary, Connor Slack, Statham; Scott, O’Dell; Chapple, Tomlinson, Price, Tatham, Williams, Duncan, Crosby, Newman.

Subs: Hempstead, Gibson, Callum Slack.

Try: Price.

Con: Mackie.

Pen: Mackie.

Rob Wildman