Newark had their opportunities

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday, Dec 14

Midlands One East

Derby 10 Newark 3

A big forward effort gave Newark hope of upsetting the odds at Derby in a league match that never matched the heights of last season’s games.

This time last season both teams were in far more buoyant form and produced some entertaining encounters which Derby edged both times, 36-22 and 33-26.
However, this latest contest produced nothing more than a muddy muddle at times with Derby scoring a try in each half to sneak a win.

Newark had their opportunities mostly around half-time when a powerful driving maul had Derby marching backwards.
Despite this advantage, Matt Clark’s men had to settle for another losing bonus point following another close defeat at home to Bugbrooke last week.

Rory Williams gained Derby’s vote as man-of-the-match and the Newark lock was backed up by partner Richard Primett, on his return to the first team, and a resilient front row of Jason Barnsdale, Ian Tomlinson and Rob Dunning.

Centre Dan Mackie had a good debut in a rejigged midfield alongside Tom O’Leary. Matt Cox started at fly half, despite a hamstring injury, while Mark Byrom took over at full-back in the absence of the unavailable Chris Tate.

Newark found their stride after conceding an early try to Derby from a driving maul off a line-out. A penalty goal from Mackie reduced the deficit.

And it was the visitors who enjoyed the best of the half once wing Will Britten had stopped another certain-looking home try through a memorable cover tackle.

However, Newark still turned round 3-5 down, failing to capitalise when Derby lost two players to the sin bin. Though James Price was also shown a yellow card, Newark still set up camp in the home 22 but failed to add to Mackie’s penalty.

Newark maintained the pressure at the start of the second half only to lose the grip once Derby managed to burst out of defence.

The momentum then swung towards the home team and they enjoyed the best of the chances for the rest of the half.

Just like the first try, Derby grabbed a crucial second try off a line-out drive and it proved to be the final score of the match.

Newark host Ilkeston next Saturday, kick off 2.15pm, in their last league match before the Christmas break.

Team v Derby: Mark Byrom; Usher, O’Leary, Mackie, Britten; Cox, Clark (capt); Dunning, Tomlinson, Barnsdale, Williams, Primett, Webster, Cove, Price.

Subs: Priestley, Fotheringham.

Penalty goal: Mackie.

Sin bins: Price, Cove.

Rob Wildman