The game started at a frantic pace

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v West Bridgford

Won 27-24

A hard fought victory

Having had their game called off on Thursday because Spalding could not raise a team. West Bridgford came to the rescue and proved a very stern test for the 2’s at Kelham Road.

West Bridgford who have had a huge increase in players this year, over 30 players have joined since September (including ex Newark player James Dyer) arrived determined to avenge their defeat of last year.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides looking to play expansive rugby. However it was Newark who eventually took control and after some good approach play the highly influential Bryan Loftus made space to give Matt Woolridge a scoring pass. 5-0.

Newark continued to dominate and ‘Dermot O’Leary should have doubled the score but failed to ground the ball properly when over the line. More chances went begging as Newark piled on the pressure, but they could not seem to score.

Suddenly from a mistake in the middle of the pitch, West Bridgford’s No 6 galloped clear and went under the posts. After all the pressure Newark were behind 7-5.

However more pressure was applied by the home side and eventually a penalty from Dan Wilson gave Newark the lead 8-7.

But from the kick off a mistake and a darting run by the visitors scrum half and Newark were trailing again. West Bridgford had only been in the Newark 22 twice and they had scored twice.

14-8

Thankfully just before half time, more pressure allowed Man of the Match Max Spurr to score and give Newark a 15-14 half time lead.

After the break Newark continued to control the game and the pressure paid off as Matt Woolridge scored his second.
A great flowing move involving forwards and backs, saw James Stark just about to score but then he too dropped the ball over the line.

West Bridgford took advantage of the error and in quick succession they scored a converted try and a drop goal to take the lead 24-20.
After all the pressure Newark had, had, and yet they were losing-15 minutes left.

But with true grit and determination back came Newark and from a quick penalty Dave Garland crashed over and Matt Woolridge added the extra 2 points. Newark in front again 27-24 and this is how it finished

In the end it had been a very tough encounter but it has to be said Newark had numerous chances and lots of territory which they had not converted into points.

For next week against Burton it is essential that more of these chances are turned into points, otherwise we could find ourselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard!