Stark's double Brace of Tries a product of Fine Team Play by Newark's Accomplished Seconds

Team from: AJ, Bartch, Sheil, Dan Price, Staines (Cap), O’Leary, Machin, Chapple, Woolridge, Andrews, Stark, Bridges, Baddley, Galinski, Byrom, Dyson, Brummit, Hawes. (all played)

Mansfield's aspirations were soon tested when prolific try scorer James Stark raced in to score in the corner after great forward work secured the ball for the speedy home side backs who worked an overlap to put the first 5 points on the board after only 2 minutes of play.

Although the conversion was missed, further pressure from Newark's pack forced Mansfield to give away 3 penalties in the next 17 minutes which Matt Woolridge nailed to bring the score up to 14 nil at the end of the first quarter.

The infuriated Mansfield pack retaliated and although Newark defended bravely for the next 7 minutes Mansfield worked their way over the Newark line under the posts to halve the difference to 14-7.

From the restart, Tom O’Leary chased the kick and the ball was worked back to Newark forwards who showed Mansfield that they could compete at the forward game and forced their way over Mansfields line for Dan Price to score.

Newark slowly started to dominate with the smallest player on the pitch, Will, the turnover Machin”e “ playing at 7. He was a constant source of irritation and annoyance for the away team as he tackled and spoiled incessantly.

The backs were served with excellent fast ball that they used flawlessly and Nick Galinski added a try to his ever increasing try tally, shortly followed with a fine forward try from Captain Mark Staines which was converted by Woolridge.

At half time the score stood at 32-7 and a severe Ferguson “hair drier” talk was going on in the away sides half.

Mansfield still stinging from their coaches team talk, came out of the blocks with grit and determination and a hard battle was waged for the next 4 minutes before fine work by Jed Chapple and Will Machin won the ball and Stark was put away for his second try.

Seven minutes later the ball was again worked to Stark on the left wing, he opened his legs and outstripped the defence running in a fine 40 metre effort, grounding under the posts, for Martin Brummit to add the extras. The flood gates were opened, forwards and backs working in unison, Newark’s, power, grace and skill carved great holes in Mansfield’s defence and they did not know how to reply.

Jack Baddley added a fine jinking try finishing off a good handling move.

Stark repeated his exploites on the left wing to add his forth try and Nick Galinski powered his way in for his second try of the game.

The best was yet to come when Bridges received the ball 35 meters out, he sold an outrageous dell boy dummy, straightened up and sprinted to the line and grounded under the bar for Martin Brummit to add his 5th conversion for the game to end at 71 points to 7.

Well played Mansfield 2s, always competing and played hard but clean and never gave up, you are a credit to your club.

Newark 2nd team came of age this day and must reflect on how their attitude, commitment, willingness and ability to play as one, turned them from a good side into a near flawless side that utilised hard, sound defence, with clean, quickly delivered ball and impeccable handling skills to tear apart one of their greatest rivals.

Play like this for the rest of the season and we will ensure we will end with some silver-ware, but beware the dark shadow of over confidence and complacency. Hard work is still required to maintain the standard, training together is the key. Be there Thursday!

Martyn L-S