A try by wing Will Britten was the highlight for Newark coming after a sustained passage of play in the second half and a pinpoint cross kick from Mark Byrom to the wing.

Newark had taken the lead in the first half through an early penalty from Dan Mackie and turned round only 3-8 down, ONs having scored a try off a scrum plus a penalty.

ONs took control in the first quarter of the second half when they scored two tries in a quick spell to lead 22-3.
Newark then responded to gain the try for Britten which gave some hope of a gaining a losing bonus point from the match.

However, ONs finished on top by scoring twice in the closing minutes which gave the scoreline a flattering look, Newark having defended far better than the previous defeat at Syston.

Newark fielded another rejigged team led this time by Byrom from fly half in the absence of the unavailable Chris Tate and the injured Matt Clark.
Ben Usher was moved to centre from the wing in an effort to make more of his speed and try-scoring power.
Britten came in on the wing and on the other flank there was a welcome return for Aloesi Waqalevu. Tom O’Leary partnered Usher.

The man-of-the-match vote went to back-rower Neil Clark who led the forward contest in a pack which also saw the return to starting action of James Price at No 8.

The three substitutes all saw action including another chance for Josh Hubbard, the back-row colt.

Newark firsts have a week off before travelling to Nottinghamshire rivals Paviors on Saturday, Feb 21,
kick off 2.15pm.

Newark team: Andy Hill; Waqalevu, Usher, O’Leary, Britten; Mark Byrom (capt), Mackie; Dunning, Chapple, Tinsley, Primett, Williams, Webster, Neil Clark, Price.

Subs: Barnsdale, Hubbard, Stark.

Try: Britten.

Pen goal: Mackie.

Rob Wildman