THE HOME TEAM DOMINATED UNTIL THE FINAL QUARTER.

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday 28th February

Midlands One East

Newark missed out on a valuable bonus point in a tough game at league leaders Bedford Athletic.

While Athletic won by eight tries to three, Newark needed one more try to gain a scoring bonus point in a finale they dominated.

When substitute Max Spurr scored Newark’s third try, there was still time for a further attack and a break by full-back Alex Scott put the visitors back on the offensive.

However, the move broke down due to a knock on and Newark had nothing to show from a long trip to Bedfordshire.

Athletic had taken an early 14-0 lead only for Newark to enjoy good periods of play in a first half where they had the help of the conditions.

Two tries in quick succession from Josh Hubbard, following good inter linking play, and one from fellow back-rower Dave Fotheringham at a line-out put Newark back into the match at 12-14 down.

Athletic struck back towards the end of the half and turned round 28-14 up.

The second half proved not to be as competitive as the home team dominated until the final quarter.

Newark grabbed a third try from Spurr which allowed the visitors to launch that late bid for a bonus point.

Spurr was one of three substitutes used alongside Jordan Hempstead and Tom Crosby in a match-day squad that was largely the same as the previous week’s win over Paviors.

The changes included another chance at fly half for Jordan Slack, because of injury to Dan Mackie, while Jaymie Duncan started in the pack for James Price.
In the backs Luke Tupholme resumed on the wing in place of Ben Usher.

Newark, who remain in 12th place, host Bugbrooke next Saturday, kick off 3pm – not 2.15pm.

Newark Team: Scott; Tupholme, Birch, Waqalevu, Callum Slack; Jordan Slack, Clark (capt); Dunning, Tomlinson, Chapple, Duncan, Webster, Fotheringham, Hubbard, Garland.

Subs: Hempstead, Spurr, Crosby.

Tries: Hubbard, Fotheringham, Spurr.

Conversions: Scott (2).