Saturday, Aug 31 – friendly

Saturday, Aug 31 – friendly

Newark 2nds 72 Sleaford 7

The Newark team looked a lot different from the side that ran out in the Ron Rossin Cup final back in May. Yet the new faces and returning players soon found the form from last season.

Dan Harrison, making a return at fly half, laid down the template for the game when he crashed through the Sleaford defence after 10 minutes to pop the ball off to the ever green Richard Byrom to score Newark's first try. Harrison converted.

Newark’s forwards took the game to Sleaford and some good powerful running from Will Naylor, Ben Lovelace and Richard Primett gave Tom O'Leary the second try, again converted by Harrison.

Newark had Lovelace sin binned for not retreating 10 yards but maintained the pressure. Craig Hawes came on after 20 minutes and straight away showed his powerful running style to score with his second touch of the ball.

Sleaford came back at Newark and when they got a penalty just outside Newark's 22 they went quickly and scored whilst most of the Newark side where still lining up for the penalty.

Half-time came shortly after with the score 25-7 to Newark.

A few changes at half-time saw Dev Priestly and Brian Loftus making an appearance with Dev continuing the powerful running style he is known for and scoring twice before coming off with a sore neck.

Sleaford seemed to rally round but when a good break from their backs was spoiled by a great cover tackle by Hawes it was one-way traffic for Newark.

Newark had seven subs and the rotation of players worked well, with the appearance of Tom Holmes, Jack Badley, Budda and a first appearance for Ed Hatcher continuing the flowing rugby being played by a confident Newark side.

The try of the match came from a break through the middle by Hawes, the ball was quickly passed down the line to Budda in full flow and a great line by Dan Padgett saw him score under the posts.

Further tries from Andy Hill, James Stark (2), and Primett (2) gave Newark a comfortable first victory of the season.

Next Saturday sees Ilkeston 2nds at Kelham Road and I'm sure they will give Newark a very different type of game.

Final score Newark 2nds 72 Sleaford 7
Mark Staines

Tries

Primett x 2
Priestley x 2
Hawes x 2
Stark x 2
Hill
O'Leary
Padgett
Byrom

Conversions

Harrison x 3
Hill x 2
O’Leary x 1

Rob Wildman