A disappointing return to action

Newark Rugby – Midlands One East

Newark 7 Towcestrians 23

Newark first team made a disappointing return to action, following a two-week break because of the cold weather, at windy Kelham Road.

A late try by scrum-half Matt Clark was the only reward in a league match which Towcestrians, who had first use of the elements, dominated to win by four tries to one.

Newark fielded the bulk of the team who had played so well in the first two matches after Christmas which had helped rid relegation fears.

However, the resumption of action brought a return to the disappointing results of pre-Christmas.

Towcestrians led from the 14th minute via an opening penalty goal. Newark’s best moment came after the visitors had grabbed their first try to lead 8-0.

However, Chris Tate’s effort, finishing off a good break in the corner, was disallowed for a foot in touch and a further try by Towcestrians left Newark 13-0 behind at half-time.

Newark brought on wing Waqalevu Aloesi at the interval, but they were disrupted immediately afterwards when Towcestrians claimed a third try following a sin-binning for centre Ed Collishaw.

Two other substitutes were also used in the second half in forwards Shaun May and Fred Tatham.

Clark’s try eventually came three minutes from time after a series of drives off a line-out.

By then, however, Newark had conceded a fourth try and had fly half Danny Coen sent off.

Newark’s league campaign continues next Saturday when they host Peterborough in a twice-postponed league game, kick off 2.15pm.

Scores – 0-3 Towcester pen, 0-8 Towcester try, 0-13 Towcester try, 0-18 Towcester try, 0-23 Towcester try, 5-23 Matt Clark try, 7-23 Byrom conversion.

Team: Mark Byrom; Tate (capt), Collishaw, Badley, Statham; Danny Coen, Matt Clark; Dunning, Tomlinson, Barnsdale, Evans, Primett, Price, Tom Coen, Neil Clark.Subs: May, Aloesi, Tatham.

Rob Wildman