Young prop Martin Brown!

REPORT WRITEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV Report v Ilkeston

Won 54-7

2’s start their Pennant campaign with a resounding win

Having had a pre-season game against Tupton, which they won narrowly 38-35 and no game last week, Ilkeston away was the first pennant game of the season for the 2’s

Although the starting fifteen had some familiar faces in it there were some welcome additions to the squad- Curtis Marshall, Robbie Hunter Shaw, Dan Ireland and the young prop Martin Brown. Martin had received an SOS call on Friday night, the 2’s were short of a prop and could he help out. Yes of course he could and what a great job he did.

The game started well for Newark- with lots of free flowing rugby and a couple of scintillating runs from full back and man of the match Will Brittain, it was only a matter of time before they would score.
In a golden 10 minute period, first it was Ian Tomlinson, then Richard Bevan and finally Robbie Hunter Shaw to give them a comfortable 15-0 lead.

However back came Ilkeston and from a scrappy period of play the home teams’ centre picked up a short pass and broke a couple of tackles to score, it was converted and it was now 15-7.

However Newark were soon back in control and from a good forward surge at the line out, No8 Dave Garland added a fourth try and then just before half time Ben Ennals scampered over to make the half time score 25-7.

Still no successful conversions!!!

Into the second half and Ilkeston really ‘upped’ their game and for 20 minutes it was quite tight and there was little to choose between the sides.

Enter Dan Ireland a new recruit from Kettering off the bench and within minutes he was on the score sheet.

Jamie Duncan galloped over for a seventh try and then Andy Hill cut through the Ilkeston defence to make the score 42-7.

Newark were in total control and within minutes left, new boy Ireland grabbed a second try and Dave Garland had the final word off the last play of the game.

Newark had secured their first pennant victory of the season and a bonus point as well. 54-7, new skipper Dave Fotheringham left Ilkeston a very happy man.