The forwards were dominant from the start

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV V West Bridgford

Won 30-14

A great team performance

After a disappointing defeat last week against Ashbourne in the pennant everybody knew that the game against Bridgford was a must win game. As always there were changes to the starting XV, in came Devan Priestley, Mark Staines, Curtis Marshall, Richard Thompson, Hugh Falconer and Jonny Statham.

The game started well for Newark and after some good controlled play they were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks and Curtis Marshall nudged the visitors ahead.

First injury exit Mark Staines, enter Ben McCarthy.

The forwards were dominant from the start and not long after Devan Priestley bustled his way over the line to increase the lead to 8-0.

Second Injury exit Hugh Falconer enter Jack Clayton.

Eventually the home team started to win a bit of ball and when they wide the left winger clearly knocked the ball, however amazingly the Ref did not see it and the winger picked the ball up and ran in to score!!!! Bridgford converted 8-7.

Third injury exit Richard Thompson enter Richard Byrom (and we had only played 20 minutes)

However the changes did not seem to affect Newark. More good forward play with some terrific strong running by Jamie Duncan eventually led to Richard Primmett smashing his way over the line from 22 metres out for his seventh try of the season, 13-7 to Newark.

Then just before half time, a great bit of interplay between forward and backs which covered the length of the pitch it looked like Newark would score but a knock on provided the home side with a chance to counter attack-which they did clinically and amazingly it was Bridgford who were celebrating the score and the half time lead 14-13. Newark were shell shocked having dominated the half they were now losing.

However a good team talk and brimming with confidence, Newark came out for the second half ‘all guns blazing’ and to be perfectly honest played probably their best 40 minutes of the season so far. The forwards were completely dominant and the home team very rarely got out of their own 22. It was only a matter of time before they scored- eventually Dave Garland scored, and then shortly afterwards scored a second- bonus point. Newark 23-14 up.

One or two very unusual decisions by the referee seemed to keep the home side in the game, but finally hooker Jed Chapple scored a fifth which Curtis converted and meant the game finished Newark 30 West Bridgford 14 and a well-deserved victory
There were several contenders for man of the match, the Chapple brothers both had great games, Jamie Duncan never stopped running, Devan Priestley made some great carries with the ball but eventually it went to Dave Garland for a brilliant all round performance.

Next week its Notts Medics (at home) who are top of the Pennant- its going to be a tough one. Lets hope we can play like we did on Saturday.