Good interplay between forwards and backs

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v ON’s

Won 19-3

2’s continue their winning run

It is now seven wins on the bounce for the 2’s with another impressive win against ON’s on Saturday.

Originally a squad of 23 had been selected for the game but due to illness, injury and call ups to the first team we arrived at Northampton with a bare 15. Not the greatest preparation-however ON’s did us a favour and ‘lent us’ two of their colts to sit on our bench.

In the first half Newark played against a strong wind and really put on a great defensive performance. The back row trio of Adams, Hawes and Duncan did a great job and made some terrific tackles and surging runs.

Unfortunately Craig had to leave the pitch after 30 minutes due to a head injury and was replaced by SAM, an ON’s colt.

The line out functioned, Ged Chappell and Richard Primmett combining very well.
Gareth Bartch playing at 9 marshalled the forwards and the ‘wily old’ silver fox Martin Brummitt organised the back line and made sure that skipper Mark Staines (who was playing his first senior game on the left wing) was in the right place and running the right lines!

Considering they were playing against a strong wind Newark were really pleased that the only score of the half came two minutes from half time when ON’s No 10 slotted a penalty over to make the half time score 3-0.

Into the second half and Newark started to take control and from a driving maul, Darren Gray made a dart for the line only to be held up and then from the resulting ruck the young ONs player Sam picked up and was driven over the line by a couple of Newark players.

5-3 to Newark.

This dominance continued and after some good interplay between forwards and backs, Tom O’Leary playing in the centres this week (is there any position he can’t play) ‘canon balled’ his way over.

Martin Brummitt added the extra 2 points and Newark led 12-3.

At this stage the other ON’s Colt Tom came on to replace Sam.
From the restart a good kick from Brummitt and a great chase from Tom Bridges led to panic in the ON’s defence and as they tried to clear their lines the ball was charged down and Tom (ON’s Colt) dived on the loose ball and scored Newark’s third try and a 19-3 lead.

In the last 10 minutes ON’s played some of their best rugby but the Newark line held firm and 19-3 remained the final score.

It had been a really hard fought win and again highlighted that when true grit and determination are asked for by the skipper – the troops can respond.

Well done lads let’s hope that this can be replicated next week in the vital Pennant game against Paviors, which is a must win game.

As far as Man of the match is concerned there were quite a few contenders- Jamie Duncan, Darren Gray, Ged Chappell and Tommy Bridges but it went to youngster Harry Adams for a great performance at open side.