A determined second-half performance

A determined second-half performance showed the best of Newark after they had turned round 20-5 down at the Leicestershire club.

A first league try from wing Guillaume Pauvert brought Newark hope of gaining at least a losing bonus point from a match played in difficult windy conditions.

However, Loughborough broke away in a rare attack in the second half to maintain their good lead in a final quarter when they had three players sin binned.

They finished defending in the last moments with 12 men as Newark attacked in an effort to close the gap at the end.

Newark’s second-half fightback, helped by playing with the conditions, was a spirited effort after a difficult first half when Loughborough took command, scoring three tries to one by Lewis Himsworth.

The hooker finished off just before the half-time break to reward some good play by Newark after a patchy start when Loughborough seized on some hesitant play.

Newark maintained the momentum after the break and a penalty by fly half Robbie Hunter-Shaw reduced the margin.

After Loughborough had a player sin binned, Newark took advantage by working a move which allowed wing Pauvert to score on the left flank.

That try made the score 13-20 to Loughborough but hopes of that losing bonus point faded when the home team scampered away for a fourth try after a Newark attack broke down.

Newark deserved at least a point and should have scored a further try from a prolonged period of pressure. Prop Fran Appleton was the closest to a try when held up twice within inches of the line.

Overall, the second half display gave the Newark team renewed heart and some confidence to take into future games.

The team showed changes from the previous week against Long Eaton but the new faces contributed to the whole-hearted display in the second half.

Scrum-half Harry Jenkins made his debut in a new halfback partnership alongside Hunter-Shaw while Josh Witton started at lock.
Among the substitutes was another newcomer in Will Seage and there was a welcome return for fit-again Jaymie Duncan and another opportunity for prop Ben Wells.

Team: Overland; Ford, Birch, Britten, Pauvert; Hunter-Shaw, Jenkins; Appleton, Himsworth, Coulam, Witton, Ellison, Brogden, Crosby, Garland.
Subs: Wells, Duncan, Seage.

Tries: Himsworth, Pauvert.
Conversion: Hunter-Shaw.
Penalty goal: Hunter-Shaw.

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