Newark had played poorly

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v Ashbourne

Lost 31-29

A game that the 2’s should have won but somehow lost!!!

After last week’s tremendous win, spirits were high for the visit of Ashbourne at Kelham Road. However a poor all round display left the team wondering how they could play so well one week and play so badly the following week.

To their credit Ashbourne tackled and disrupted well throughout the game but Newark will look back on the game and know that it was through their errors that allowed the visitors to score 5 tries (more than any other team this year) that cost them the game.

The game started well. From a good driving Maul, Ben Ennals scored.

However very shortly after from a poorly defended ruck the Ashbourne No 8 ran 40 metres to score.

7-5 to Newark.

More good approach play from Newark and a drive from Jonny Statham was finished off by the veteran Richard Byrom.

The next ten minutes were ‘dire’ Newark’s defence which has normally been so good was breached twice so easily – poor tackling and suddenly Ashbourne were in front 19-14 and yet Newark had been so dominant for much of the half.

On the stroke of half time Gareth Bartch levelled the scores 19-19.

A stern half time talk from skipper Staines seemed to rally the home side and scores from Jamie Duncan and Jonny Statham gave Newark a ten point lead and seemingly victory.

However the persistent and dogged Ashbourne side had other ideas!

Poor ball retention skills and weak tackling gifted the visitors two more scores, one of which they converted and they now led 31-29 with 12 minutes to go.

Try as they might Newark pounded the Ashbourne line but it held firm.

Martin Brummitt had a penalty kick to win it in the last minute but it narrowly missed.

Newark had played poorly against a very determined and hard working Ashbourne side and lost a game they know they should have won.

A very disappointing day!!!!!!!!!!