Forwards and backs interlinked well

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v Matlock

Won 30-15

2’s remain top of the Pennant

Newark faced a totally different Matlock side in the return fixture at Cromford on Saturday and from the outset it was clear that it was going to be a tough encounter.

Newark started strongly and produced some very entertaining and purposeful play which almost produced a try within the first few minutes, but resolute defence by Matlock kept the scores at 0-0. Eventually after more dominance from the Newark forwards at the scrum Gareth Bartsch pounced on a loose ball to score the opening try.

Straight from the kick off Newark produced a stunning passage of play, forwards and backs interlinking well, which eventually saw Man of the Match Richard Primett shoot down the blind side and give Craig Hawes the opportunity to double the score and in doing so score Newark 2’s 100th try of the season.

Although Matlock were really giving it everything, Newark were in total control and playing some of their best rugby of the season.

Next on the score sheet was the cannonball, Tom O’Leary who bulldozed his way over to make it 15-0 and then just on the half time whistle skipper Mark Staines cut a great line to score his 12th of the season and earn Newark their bonus point and a 20-0 lead. It had been a really impressive all round first half performance.

However things dramatically changed at the beginning of the second half- Matlock came back rejuvenated. They really took the game to Newark (who probably felt they had the game already won) and after a good forward surge they were on the scoreboard.

Then from the kick off Matlock moved the ball very quickly to their right winger who showed a ‘clean pair of heels’ to score in the corner and make the score Newark 20 Matlock 10 and it was game on.

To their credit, Newark responded well and after some good forward work from Primett, Dunning and Chappell the ball was moved to the blindside and newcomer Richard Bevan made a break to give Starky an easy run in.

But back came Matlock and within a couple of minutes they had reduced the arrears to 25 -15, and there was still 20 minutes left.

However a couple of changes saw the introduction of Ben Lovelace and youngster Harry Adams

This revitalised Newark and both players made a significant impact to Newark’s defence.

Then with only a few minutes left Newark produced another fine piece of play which gave Bryan Loftus space. He then threw an outrageous dummy and Newark had their sixth try and meant a final score line of Newark 30 Matlock 15

Overall a really good team performance from the 2’s, particularly in the first half.

They remain top of the Pennant but know that next week’s game against Medics which is a double header and so is worth double points is a must win game.