A PACK WHICH TRIED VALIANTLY AGAINST BIGGER OPPONENTS

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday, Jan 16

Midlands One East

Newark 7 Wellingborough 31

Newark’s improved form came to an end on a disappointing afternoon when visiting Wellingborough dominated to win by five tries to one.

The Northamptonshire team dominated from the start helped by Newark coughing up possession in midfield which led to the first try.

Wellingborough led 17-0 at half-time having added two more tries in a half when Newark were only able to mount limited attacks.

Newark started the second half far better and almost had the perfect start when hooker Ian Tomlinson led one attack, from near halfway, which ended in wing Callum Slack failing narrowly to score in the corner.

A home try was much needed and could have changed the momentum of the game. However, Wellingborough regrouped to score two more tries before Newark finished off by gaining a consolation score from Slack.

To complete the match, Dan Mackie landed the conversion – helped by the upright – from the touchline.

Overall, Newark’s poor start looked to knock the confidence after wins over Market Rasen and Matlock which had lifted the team out of the relegation zone.
This defeat pushes the team back into the bottom three.

Next stop is a first trip for league action to Newbold-on-Avon next Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.

Newark missed the energy of Jaymie Duncan, who was unavailable, and injured Tom Crosby in a pack which tried valiantly against bigger opponents.

Details
Newark: Scott; Ford, Birch, Waqalevu, Callum Slack; Tupholme, Clark (capt); Hempstead, Tomlinson, Chapple, Webster, Newman, Coen, Hubbard, Garland.

Subs: Dunning, Fotheringham, Mackie.

Try: Callum Slack. Conversion: Mackie.