An outstanding start by Newark

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Midlands One East

Newark 22 Market Rasen 40

Newark had nothing to show for their determined efforts at the end of an entertaining contest at Kelham Road which produced 10 tries – Market Rasen winning by seven to three.

An outstanding start by Newark brought the first of two tries from full-back Ben Usher after only 52 seconds. The score was created by lock Rory Williams acrobatically catching the kick off to set up the attack.

The full-back burst clear after an excellent opening from Newark which ended in the try and a conversion by Matt Clark.

Unfortunately for Newark, that was the high point of a first half in which they contributed to Rasen scoring four tries through some hesitant defence.

Rasen led 20-10 at the break, Newark having cut the lead through a penalty from Clark.

Newark’s best period of the match came after half-time when Usher struck again, breaking clear off a line-out move, and substitute Aloesi Waqalevu also scored.

Clark converted the try by Waqalevu to peg the scores at 22-25, Rasen having scored a fifth try in between the two Newark efforts.

Newark looked set to gain something from the contest but slipped away in the final quarter.

Rasen, who had been stronger up front throughout, took their chances to prevent the home team gaining at least a losing bonus point.
The visitors scored two more tries to bring their tally to seven and also kicked a penalty.

Despite Newark’s defeat, there were positives to be had in the performance of the quick Usher and the growing confidence at the line-out of Rory Williams.
There was also some controlled team play in the second half which deserved to bring at least a point.

Newark are at home again next Saturday, this time to third-placed Syston, kick off 3pm.

Scoring sequence: 7-0 Usher try & Clark conversion, 7-5 Rasen try, 7-10 Rasen try, 7-15 Rasen try, 10-15 Clark pen, 10-20 Rasen try ht, 15-20 Usher try, 15-25 Rasen try,
20-25 Waqalevu try, 22-25 Clark con, 22-30 Rasen try, 22-33 Rasen pen, 22-38 Rasen try, 22-40 Rasen con.

Team:
Usher; Stark, Brewer, Ford, Galinski; Danny Coen, Matt Clark; Dunning, Chapple, Price, Tatham, Williams, Webster, Lewis Cove, Curry.

Subs: Bartsch, Waqalevu, Priestley.

Rob Wildman