Sterner tests definitely lie ahead

Report Written by Richard Byrom

2nd XV Report v Matlock

Won 66-0

Officer Statham returns to duty with a Hat-Trick of tries

The second team continued their fine start to the season with a comprehensive victory over Matlock at Kelham Road. It is now played 4 in the pennant, won 4. Overall played 6 won 6

Once again the team showed a number of changes from last week due to Ist XV call ups, injuries and un-availabilities

The afternoon did not start well when Matlock arrived with only 14 players and no front row so the scrums were now uncontested- very disappointing for the Newark front row of Jackson, Chappell and Barnsdale who were looking forward to the challenge

However Newark started brightly, 2 penalties from fly half Dan Wilson gave them a 6-0 lead. With dominance in most areas the tries soon started to flow.
First the evergreen Dave Garland scored, and then skipper Staines bagged a brace to take his total to 6 this season and then Tom O’leary crashed over 32-0 at half time.

The second half continued very much as the first half finished with Newark on top and dominant Jason Barnsdale produced a blistering turn of pace to set up Jonny Statham for his first try and this was followed quickly by a second and third after some strong powerful running from the RAF man.

Alex Jackson also drove over for a try and then finished the game off in style by cantering 30 metres to score his second and Newark’s tenth.

Final score 66-0

Great to win again and there was plenty to note that was good about the performance - but to have uncontested scrums and play against only 14 meant that Newark were not really challenged.

Sterner tests definitely lie ahead with ON’s and local rivals Paviors to play later in the month.
Hopefully the lads can rise to the challenge