SOME EXCELLENT NEWARK DEFENCE

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Newark 5 Ilkeston 17

Newark needed a little bit more luck to gain valuable points in a tight game against Ilkeston at wet and windy Kelham Road.

Ilkeston had first use of the conditions and turned round 10-0 up, having scored a try just before the break. It came after Newark thought they had scored a try of their own from a break-out by captain Matt Clark.

Clark’s dash from inside his own half saw him kick ahead which took the ball over the try line. However, the scrum-half failed to win the verdict from the referee that he had grounded the ball properly when diving ahead of the Ilkeston cover.

Ilkeston had only managed a penalty in the face of some excellent Newark defence but grabbed their first try right at the end of the half when their scrum-half broke through off a ruck.

Newark had the conditions in their favour for the second half but, again, luck went against them when an attack ended in an Ilkeston interception which allowed their scrum-half to scamper over for his second try.

That gave Ilkeston a 17-0 lead which just about sealed the game before Newark replied through a late try from flanker Jaymie Duncan who broke through off a line-out.

Duncan, who has emerged this season into an aggressive back rower, had another good game alongside James Price whose zeal and determination has made him a favourite of the Newark supporters.

Price had a memorable first half at No 8, including the sight of him booting the ball clear to help stop one Ilkeston attack.

However, his afternoon ended in him suffering a knee injury while an Ilkeston player needed hospital attention for a shoulder injury.

Price and Duncan were backed up by a good forward effort from a Newark pack which included a final home league appearance for Rory Williams who is due to play club rugby in Australia after Christmas.

Newark play their final league match before Christmas at Market Rasen next Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.
Team: Scott; Mackie, Birch, Waqalevu, Ford; Tupholme, Clark (capt); Dunning, Tomlinson, Hempstead, Williams, Fotheringham, O’Leary, Duncan, Price.

Subs: Chapple, Green, Cove.

Try: Duncan.