NEWARK FIELDED ANOTHER YOUNG TEAM

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday, March 8

Midlands One East

Bedford Athletic 34 Newark 24

A memorable try from Ben Usher helped Newark gain a valuable losing bonus point from a difficult trip to Bedford Athletic.

Usher, who scored six tries in the win over Spalding last week, raced and weaved from his own half to score Newark’s third try in the second half after Athletic had built a lead of 34-12.

Newark eventually grabbed that losing bonus point in the last minute when the versatile Matt Brewer, playing his first game since the autumn, backed up a break by Aloesi Waqalevu.

It was Brewer’s second try after the wing had scored in the first half alongside a try from captain Mark Byrom.

The point gained keeps Newark third from bottom but only a point behind 11th-placed Mansfield who lost at Bugbrooke, 32-10.

Newark fielded another young team including a back row made up of three teenagers in Rory Williams, James Newman and man-of-the-match Josh Hubbard.

Newark turned round 22-12 down at half-time having played well but also having given Athletic some soft scores following an opening penalty goal.

After Athletic had taken a 10-0 lead, a converted try backing up the penalty, Brewer, playing on the wing, got Newark on the score sheet by winning a kick and chase he started by chipping ahead.

Bedford immediately replied by gaining a second try this time following a cross kick to the corner. This was followed by Newark replying through a second try when Byrom burst clear for a score which Dan Mackie converted.

Newark hoped they might turn round only 12-15 down, but Athletic finished the half by scoring their third try to lead 22-12 at the break.

The match swung Athletic’s way further after half-time when Newark conceded two scores in quick succession each time defensive errors costing them points.
Newark were not helped by decisions going against them but they were lifted by Usher’s brilliant run which Mackie converted to cut the home team’s lead to 34-19.

However, time looked to be running out for a fourth try and that bonus point until a speculative kick out of defence by full-back Patrick Ford.
Athletic failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Waqalevu who counter-attacked before off-loading to the supporting Brewer.

Newark have a week off before resuming league action against Belgrave, March 21, at Kelham Road, kick off 3pm.

Team: Ford; Brewer, Waqalevu, Tate, Usher; Mackie, Mark Byrom (capt); Dunning, Tomlinson, Barnsdale, Primett, Tatham, Williams, Newman, Hubbard.

Subs: Priestley, Fotheringham, Stark.

Tries: Brewer (2), Mark Byrom, Usher.

Conversions: Mackie (2).

Sin bin: Byrom.

Rob Wildman