Newark were rampant

REPORT WRITTEN BT RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV V Mansfield

Won 46-12

A comfortable victory

For the first time in many weeks it was wonderful to have a full squad of 20 for the visit of local rivals Mansfield in the Pennant. There were welcome returns to Devan Priestley, James Newman, James Stark and Richard Bevan, it was also great to have Adam Downing, Gautham (our Indian international)and youngster Alex Scott making his debut.

The afternoon started with a minutes silence in respect of Chris Waddington – ex chairman of the club.

Newark opened up well and dominated the early exchanges, but resolute defence from Mansfield and lots of ‘white line fever’ from the Newark boys meant no scoring in the first 20 minutes. Then against the run of play, after a string of silly penalties from the home side, Mansfield had a line out 5m out and from the catch and drive they scored.

Newark 0 Mansfield 5

However back came Newark and within a few minutes they too had a line out 5m out which they caught and drove and Adam Downing was on hand to level the scores. This seemed to really spur on the home side and from the kick off Jonny Statham made a great break only for a last ditch tackle preventing him from scoring.
Not long after Sam Andrews made a lovely break from a ruck, from which Gautham took a great supporting line and it was try time.

Shortly before half time youngster James Newman added a further try from a forward drive to make it 15-5.

After the break for the first 15 minutes it remained a very competitive game, with Newark doing most of the attacking but Mansfield defending very well.
But then with 25 minutes left the home side found another gear and really started to take control.
First winger Richard Thompson scored, and then Adam Downing scored again from another catch and drive.
A great break from Gautham provided Neil Clark his second try in successive games and when James Newman broke through several tackles to off load to James Stark, Newark were rampant.

Alex Scott converted both of the tries – his first points in senior Rugby

To be fair Mansfield never gave up and all their efforts were rewarded when some sloppy Newark tackling allowed their prop to crash over and reduce the arrears to 41-12.
However the last scoring of the afternoon went to the home side when Dave Garland added a simple eighth try from a quickly taken penalty.

Final score Newark 46 Mansfield 12 and a bonus point win for the home team.

Difficult to make a decision on the man of the match award, there were lots of contenders. Sam Andrews, Adam Downing, James Newman, Neil Clark, Robbie Hunter Shaw, but eventually it was awarded to Gautham for a great running and tackling display.

After the very sad week that the club had had off the pitch to beat local rivals Mansfield at 1st , 2nd and 3rd team and then for the 4ths beat Southwell to make it 4 wins out of 4 for the first time this season - just the tonic the club needed.

Next week it is Market Rasen for the 2’s- they beat us earlier in the season, so no doubt it is going to be a really tough game.