Welcome returnees to the team this week

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

The 2’s make it 3 wins out of 3

Newark 53- Mansfield 29

Welcome returnees to the team this week after a long layoff because of injury were Dan Harrison and Ryan Fisher and there was a first start for newcomer Richard Thompson.

It was another one of those days when a strong Newark side never really seemed to hit top form- In a game they were always in control of, poor tackling and defensive errors allowed Mansfield to score 4 tries, which was disappointing. However to score 8 tries was very encouraging as there was some excellent attacking play and there were some great team scores.

Newark dominated the open exchanges and after lots of pressure on the Mansfield line from a catch and drive at a 5 metre line out, Richard Primett scored, his 3rd try in 3 games. Newark were 5-0 up. However back came Mansfield and after poor tackling in the middle of the pitch from Newark they scored a good try.

Very shortly afterwards they increased their lead further with a penalty- it was 10-5 to the home side.

Newark responded well and from some strong forward running from Dave Garland and Jed Chapple, winger, Curtis Marshall went over in the corner, Robbie Hunter Shaw added the extra 2 points and Newark were back in the lead 12-10.
Following an injury to full back Byrom, there was a reorganisation of the back line, with the versatile Hugh Falconer moving onto the wing and on came Jamie Duncan and what an impact he made.
Within 10 minutes he had made two rampaging runs and scored twice. It seemed like the Mansfield defence had no answer to Newark’s super sub (who was duly given Man of the match)

With Newark now in control and playing well, it seemed only a matter of time before the next try was scored.
But a lapse in concentration and again poor tackling let Mansfield in for another score, Newark 22 Mansfield 17.

Game on.

Back came the visitors and after a superb break by stand in full back Curtis Marshall, Alex Jackson was on hand to scamper home and give Newark a deserved 29-17 lead.

With firm words ringing in the players ears about improving defence and their tackling, Newark responded by producing the move of the game at the start of the second half.

Great handling by the forwards and backs led to Richard Primett driving to the line, drawing the full back and giving Ben Ennals a simple run to the line.
Unfortunately Newark’s great start could not be maintained and Mansfield replied with another score, although this time it has to be said that perhaps the Mansfield no 12 did perhaps drop the ball over the line!.

The game became increasingly more open as it entered the last twenty minutes and as the teams began to tire.
Newark scored again first through centre Robbie Hunter Shaw and then through his partner in the centres Richard Bevan.

Although they did concede a further try when the Mansfield No 6 ran through 3 missed tackles to make the final score 53-29.

It had been an away win with a bonus point against local rivals Mansfield.

Well done lads.

It had been a comfortable victory for Newark but they will have to make sure they improve their defensive qualities next week when they take on Market Rasen who are currently top of the Pennant and unbeaten.