Missing 7 regulars!

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV V Old Northamptonians

Lost 5- 62

2’s run out of steam in the second half

An away trip to Northampton is always going to be a tough encounter but when you are missing 7 regulars and have a very young side with 5 players making their debut- it was going to be even harder. Debutants were Paul Sutton (who stepped up from the 4’s) and youngsters James Newman, Jack Clayton, Harry Hobbs and Lewis Hassall.

With a much changed side Newark must be praised for their great efforts and commitment throughout the 80 minutes but eventually in the second half the opposition finally got the upper hand and a tired Newark 15 conceded 7 tries in this period.

However the story had been totally different in the first half.

ON’s started well and after concerted pressure their right winger burst through to score under the posts, and with the conversion it was 7-0.
Newark responded well and started to take the game to the home side. A good break from youngster James Newman almost led to a try but shortly after scrum half Curtis Marshall found Richard Byrom on the blind side, the ‘old man’ threw a lovely dummy and sprinted to the line to make it 7-5.

It was now end to end attacking and defending and both sides had chances to score.
Skipper Staines made some great runs, Ben McCarthy was superb in the line out and the tackling from Tom O’Leary and Joe Tinsley was outstanding.
ON’s eventually extended their lead with a penalty and then just before half time they scored a second try to make it 17-5.

It had been a great first half performance by Newark and in the team talk at the change round more of the same was asked for
.
However unfortunately the second half was a totally different story. The home side scored early and from that moment it became a very one sided affair.
Newark looked tired from all their efforts in the first half and ON’s took advantage of this and played some really good expansive rugby and in doing so ran in a further six tries.

As the final whistle blew the scoreboard read 62-5 to the home side. A disappointing final score line considering the quality of the first half performance from Newark. Nevertheless it had provided a steep learning curve for them.

Man of the match went to youngster James Newman who carried ball and tackled his heart out throughout the game and definitely made a very impressive debut. I have no doubt that this young man will be pushing for a first team place by the end of the season

Next week its back to league action and a local derby against Paviors at home. Let’s hope we have everybody available for selection- a much needed victory is required to get the season back on track.