Newark dominated
Dronfield played some neat rugby
Newark 19 Dronfield 10
Newark started 2019 by producing a determined all-round team performance to beat Dronfield by three tries to one at Kelham Road.
First-half tries by forwards Will Ellison and Lewis Himsworth and one midway into the second half by scrum-half Rhys Overland. Matt Cox kicked two conversions.
Newark dominated, especially the second half, to post a sixth win of the campaign which lifts them into eighth place.
A good team performance was underpinned by an excellent forward effort led by No 8 Dave Garland and his younger pack lieutenants in props Lewis Himsworth and Mason Coulam.
Newark did start slowly and conceded an early converted try to Dronfield who played some neat rugby.
However, a fine catch off the re-start by flanker Jaymie Duncan gave Newark momentum which led to a try for lock Will Ellison off a line-out drive. Cox’s conversion struck the upright.
After some good home defence, Newark gained ground through Cox’s line kicks and grabbed a second try off another close-in line-out.
This time the move was not so planned as Himsworth grabbed a loose home throw to wrestle his way over, shrugging off Dronfield defenders on way to the line. Cox converted for a 12-7 lead.
A penalty by Dronfield cut the lead to 12-10 just before half-time but Newark started the second half to put themselves back in charge.
A forward charge almost brought a try for Ellison before further Newark pressure produced a key moment when Overland scooted away off a scrum in the Dronfield 22 to score the third try, Cox converting.
That put Newark 19-10 up and there were no further scores though Dronfield pressed late on in search of at least a losing bonus point.
Newark continue the league campaign next Saturday (Jan 12) at Ilkeston, kick off 2.15pm.
Newark team versus Dronfield:
Scott; Charles, Britten, Birch, Hunter-Shaw; Cox, Overland; Coulam, Chapple, Himsworth, Ellison, Seage, Brogden, Duncan, Garland.
Subs: Appleton, Shine, Ford.
Tries: Ellison, Himsworth, Overland.
Conversions: Cox (2).
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