A really gritty determined team effort

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v Burton

Lost 25-13

A really battling performance from the 2’s

With only 7 of last week’s starting line available to play because of injuries, unavailability’s and last minute cry offs (very disappointing) the 2nd team arrived at Burton with a bare 15.

However the brave 15 produced a first rate performance and although it resulted in a rare defeat for the 2’s it was a really gritty determined team effort.

Particularly well done to 3 of our Colts – Hugh Faulkner. James Dickinson and Tom Cole who all made their debuts and really ‘stepped up’ to the mark in senior rugby.

Also a massive thanks to Dave Fotheringham who filled the role of Hooker at the very last minute.

The game started poorly for Newark and within 2 minutes they were 5-0 down. However as the game developed, Newark started to play some quality rugby.
Strong running from Josh Witton at 8, and Max Spurr in the centre and then some good controlled phase play allowed the visitors to get into Burton’s 22 and eventually they were rewarded with a Dan Wilson penalty.
More good play followed, Newark were really taking the game to Burton-great defence work from Martin Brummitt and James Stark, a big hit from Tommy Hill, Dave Fotheringham tackling everything that moved, Mark Staines and Alex Jackson carrying lots of ball and Ben Ennals seemed to be everywhere!!!

Where has all his fitness come from?

Just when it looked like Newark were beginning to take control a missed tackle and the Burton 10 went clean through. 10-3 at half time.

Five minutes, into the second half and unfortunately Max Spurr twisted his ankle and now Newark were down to 14 men with 35 minutes still to play.
Burton took advantage of having the extra player and a strong run from their captain made the score 15-3.

At this stage Newark could have easily stopped playing but with true grit and determination they came back and after some great interplay between forwards and backs Tom Hill scored 15-8.

Burton knew they were in a battle and they responded well by scoring a penalty and then followed this with a well worked try, 25-8 to Burton with 15 minutes to play.

On a really positive note, the remaining minutes were all spent in the Burton half and after Josh Witton, and then Mark Staines looked to have scored, debutant Hugh Faulkener eventually scored with the last play Newark 13 Burton 25.

It had been a great performance from the lads, with nearly the whole team contenders for man of the match.
However this eventually went to ‘Fothers’ for a great defensive performance as the Newark No 2.

Next week it is Derby in the Pennant- we need to show the kind of passion and desire to win shown in the Burton game but we also need all the squad to make every effort to be available.