NEWARK’S BAD LUCK CONTINUED!

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Midlands One East

Market Rasen 32 Newark 22

Newark found their stride far too late to gain any bonus points from a tough trip to Lincolnshire rivals Market Rasen.

After the heroics of the win over Mansfield last week, Newark had to field a new-look team after captain Matt Clark and flanker Lewis Cove were ruled out due to hand injuries.

A rejigged team brought an opportunity to Dan Mackie at scrum-half while Cove’s place in the back row went to a newcomer in 17-year-old Josh Hubbard.

Newark’s bad luck continued in this match as Fred Tatham, who had taken over the captaincy from Clark, hurt his elbow early in the second half.

Overall, Newark paid for a poor first half which helped hand Rasen opportunities which they took to lead 26-8 at half-time.

Newark’s only points came from a penalty by Matt Cox and a try at the end of the half from John Webster who scored from good work off a driving maul.

A far better second half saw Newark win the 40-minutes 14-6. At one stage they had hopes of at least a bonus point as tries from hooker Ian Tomlinson and substitute wing James Stark reduced the arrears to 32-22.

However, the match finished on a downbeat note when both teams had a player sent off, Webster being shown a red card for Newark.

Newark's man of the match award went to prop Joe Tinsley.

Team: Mark Byrom; Usher, O’Leary, Tate, Britten; Cox, Mackie; Tinsley, Tomlinson, Barnsdale, Williams, Primett, Tatham (capt), Hubbard, Webster.

Subs: Shiels, Garland, Stark.

Tries: Webster, Tomlinson, Stark.

Conversions: Mackie (2).

Penalty goal: Cox.

Red card: Webster.

Sin bin: Tomlinson.

Rob Wildman