Eventually Newark did get back into the game

Report written by Richard Byrom

2nd XV Report v Ashbourne

Won 25-14

2’s grind out another important victory in the Pennant

With a much changed side because of injuries and unavailability’s the 2’s produced another gritty and hard fought pennant victory away against Ashbourne. Particular thanks must go to Paddy Robinson, Bryan Loftus, Craig Hawes and young Tom Cole who responded to a last minute call to help the team out.

The game started quite well for Newark and there was some good forward pressure. However some rather weird decisions by the referee started to frustrate the Newark players and although they took a 3-0 lead courtesy of Dan Wilson’s boot they were unable to create any momentum.
This helped the hard working Ashbourne side who started to grow in confidence and they started to take control. Newark players seemed unable to control their frustrations and the home side nudged in front 6-3.

Eventually Newark did get back into the game and after some strong running from No 8 Shaun May, Devan Priestly smashed his way over the line and gave Newark a 10-6 half time lead.

A tough team talk from Staines and Byrom on how they needed to change their game and Newark came out for the second half ‘guns blazing’.

At last they began to play with intensity and momentum and soon Paddy Robinson finished off a good team try.

Forwards and back started to play together marshalled well by scrum half Ben Ennals. Although Ashbourne reduced the arrears to 18-9 with a third penalty, Newark continued to dominate ( no thanks to the referee who continued to make some very unusual decisions) and after some good play Craig Hawes scored the third try.

Craig who normally plays in the back row was playing on the wing. Having missed the last 8 weeks because of other more pressing commitments, Craig had an outstanding second half and was named man of the match.

Just when it looked like Newark were going to get a fourth try and a bonus point, Ashbourne who had tackled manfully all afternoon, refused to give in and after some strong work from their full back their winger scored in the corner 25-14 and this is how it finished.

Another hard fought win for the 2’s as they maintain their challenge to winning the Pennant.

Next week, a week off from league action and a long travel to Kettering- hopefully we will have more players available, as of course it is ‘Sock’ night.