NEWARK FINISHED ON TOP

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday January 30

Midlands One East

Newark made an excellent start by scoring a try in the opening minutes but failed to build on the early lead in this league game at Kelham Road.

After successive defeats by Wellingborough and Newbold, Newark needed a good start and a try by wing Ben Usher was a big tonic.

Newark then defended very well against the Northampton team who were helped by the first use of the conditions on a windy afternoon.

However, after turning round 5-0 up, Newark undid the good work by conceding a try immediately after the re-start and a second try soon afterwards.

Newark enjoyed plenty of possession and territory in the next 20 minutes, helped by the conditions, but could not create another chance to go alongside the early try by Usher.

In a fragmented final quarter, Newark had one player sin binned and the Old Scouts two. But it was the visitors who grabbed a third try, this time from a line-out.

Newark finished on top but failed to even get a losing bonus point from a performance full of effort and good defence in that first half.

Tom Coen led the pack from flanker to be contender for man-of-the-match backed up by lock Jon Webster and flanker Will Naylor.

Newark included captain Matt Clark who had been doubtful beforehand due to a shoulder injury.

The team now take a break for a week because Scunthorpe have postponed the scheduled Notts, Lincs & Derbys Cup semi-final because of a re-arranged league game.

Newark, who are now second bottom in Midlands One East, next play on Feb 13 at fellow strugglers Old Laurentians of Rugby, kick off 2.15pm.

Team

Newark: Scott; Usher, Tupholme, Birch, Callum Slack; Jordan Slack, Clark (capt); Chapple, Tomlinson, Hempstead, Webster, Fotheringham, Naylor, Duncan, Coen.

Subs: Dunning, Spurr, Mackie.

Try: Usher.