Mark Staines has really instilled belief in this side

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v Mansfield

Drew 17-17

2’s draw with the last kick of the game

As expected the game against local rivals Mansfield was always going to be tough.
There were welcome returns to the starting 15 for Matthew Cove, Will Naylor and Jacob Andrews and Tom O’Leary stepped up to the mark and filled in the problem position of Prop.

Mansfield started strongly and after some good forceful play from their forwards they spun the ball wide and their left winger scored. However back came Newark and after a good break by Bryan Loftus, Newark were awarded a penalty, Dan Wilson converted.
He shortly after added a second penalty to give Newark a 6-5 lead.

At this stage, both sets of forwards were really trying to take control but it was Newark who struck next - after strong runs from Jamie Duncan and Will Naylor the ball was recycled and Max Spurr scored.

Half time 11-5 to Newark.

After the break Newark continued to dominate and a further penalty increased their lead further.
Forwards and backs were combining well and after a great forward surge from Matt Cove, the ball was spun wide and it looked like Max Spurr had scored his second try but it was adjudged to be a double movement.

However from the penalty, Mansfield produced a stunning reply and following several strong runs and good hands they finished off a 90 metre move by scoring under the posts.
It was now 14-12 to Newark and game on!

Mansfield now took control of the game and for the next 10 minutes Newark were on the rack, eventually all the pressure told and the home team scored again, they were now in the lead 17-14 and there were only 5 minutes left.
At this stage Newark made things even more difficult for themselves- they were reduced to 14 men when Ben Ennals was yellow carded.

Moments later they were down to 13 when Bryan Loftus was also yellow carded.

In previous years Newark would probably have just accepted defeat however skipper Mark Staines has really instilled belief in this side and despite having only 13 players on the pitch they kept on battling and battling and eventually were awarded a kickable penalty.

It was all down to ex Mansfield player Dan Wilson to tie the scores - he did not disappoint (although he did have the help of the post).

So the game finished 17 apiece.

On reflection it was a game half way through the second half that Newark should have won but in the end were very lucky to draw.

Man of the Match went to Tom O’Leary for his terrific contribution at prop.

Next week Market Rasen- let’s hope we can get back to winning ways