Newark led from the 30th minute

Midlands One East
Kettering 8 Newark 15

Newark first team made a determined start to the new league campaign recording a heartening win at Kettering.

Tries from hooker Jason Barnsdale, towards the end of the first half, and one from flanker Neil Clark, 11 minutes into the second half, helped Newark to a winning lead of 15-3.

Kettering applied strong pressure in the closing stages of the second half but only had a try, some 10 minutes from the end, to show for their efforts.

Newark had led from the 30th minute when Danny Coen, who started at fly half, kicked a penalty goal.
Some strong forward play set up Newark’s opening try from Barnsdale after a maul was established in the Kettering 22. Coen converted the touchdown to put the visitors 10-0 up at the interval.

Kettering cut the deficit through a penalty goal four minutes into the second half but Clark’s try, stemming from a scrum inside the home 22, gave Newark just enough breathing space to finish a competitive game ahead.

Newark had started the game having had a late rejig to their intended team when No 8 Arran Riley, who had figured prominently in pre-season games, was forced to pull out due to a hamstring problem.

David Fotheringham, who had been due to start on the bench, was called into a back row alongside Clark and Lewis Cove who moved to No 8.

The injury to Riley adds to list including regular squad members in James Price and Freddie Tatham who are both recovering from pre-season knee problems.

Newark start their home league games next Saturday, against Spalding, kick off 3pm at Kelham Road. The intended 2nd XV fixture at home to Notts Casuals has been cancelled by the visitors. It is hoped a new fixture can be arranged.

Team: Tate; Statham, Mark Byrom, Moore, Britten; Danny Coen, Matt Clark; May, Jason Barnsdale, Gray, Primett, Staines, Fotheringham, Neil Clark, Lewis Cove.

Subs: Tomlinson, Cox, Riley.

Tries: Barnsdale, Neil Clark.

Con: Coen. Pen: Coen.

Rob Wildman