An upbeat afternoon at Kelham Road left Newark regulars celebrating a first win of 2015 and the knowledge that their team had clambered out of the relegation zone.

Newark had been lifted by the sight of Matt Cox at fly half and the return from Midlands trials of wing Ben Usher.
The pair played their parts in an all-round team performance which ended in a man-of-the-match award for prop Jason Barnsdale.

Though all of Newark’s six tries were scored by the backs, it was a controlled forward display which set up the victory which also avenged a league defeat at Mansfield in September.

Newark led 10-0 at half-time having scored two tries to establish control. Playing against the elements, wing Ben Dixon scored in the corner after a good period of early pressure.

The best try of the match came next when Mark Byrom, who collected two of the six, finished off in the left corner after some smart handling from Barnsdale, Freddie Tatham and Lewis Cove.

Newark would have turned round further ahead but for a wasted chance when Dixon contrived to throw a forward pass with the tryline at his mercy.

A half-time pep talk consisted of Newark’s wings told to be more ‘greedy’ in the second half. And after a penalty from Cox increased the lead to 13-0, the tries flowed.

Byrom grabbed a second, which was converted by Cox, before centre Tom O’Leary, Usher and substitute back Dan Mackie all raced in to finish a good afternoon.

Usher’s try was the most spectacular as he ran 70 metres after Jon Webster had started a counter attack in his own 22 which was backed up by fellow forwards Rory Williams and Ian Tomlinson. Mackie, who had replaced Cox, kicked three conversions to go alongside his try.

Team: Mark Byrom; Dixon, Tate, O’Leary, Usher; Cox, Matt Clark (capt); Tinsley, Tomlinson, Barnsdale, Primett, Williams, Tatham, Lewis Cove, Webster.

Subs: Shiels, May, Mackie.

Tries: Dixon, Byrom (2), O’Leary, Usher, Mackie.

Conversions: Cox, Mackie (3).

Penalty goal: Cox.

Sin bin: Tate.

Rob Wildman