Half Backs Dominate as Newark Romp to Victory

REPORT WRITTEN BY GARETH BARTSCH

A bright & sunny afternoon at Kelham Road was the perfect setting for running rugby and the good number of spectators were not disappointed in a game largely controlled by Newark's half back pairing, Alex O'Dell making his senior debut at scrum half shows the future is certainly bright at Newark.

The kick off was delayed by 15 minutes to allow Ashbourne an ample warm up after half of their team had been delayed through traffic in Nottingham. This was evident in the second minute as Cox took an interception on the Ashbourne 10m line and raced in under the posts untouched. Converted by Scott for a 7-0 lead and the best start possible.

Solid defence from Newark and effective game management from the half backs kept a now awake and vastly more experienced Ashbourne at bay limiting them to very little other than chip & chase or tight rugby. Newark maintained pressure on Ashboune through effective kicking from Scott & Cox to gain great field position and put pressure on the Ashbourne lineout.

Ashbourne began to grow into the game particularly in the forwards where they were dominating the scrum. Newark however made sure they took their chances with ball in hand and a great flowing move over half of the field was well finished by Thompson for Newark's second try of the match.

Ashbourne again came back at the resilient Newark defence with particular hard work on the floor from the pack. A poor chip from the Ashbourne 10 allowed the quick thinking Scott to quickly take a the drop out to himself before kicking and chasing downfield with support from the outside backs forced a scrum in the Ashbourne 22. Ashbourne decided that arguing with the referee would be a good tactic only to result in a Newark penalty rather than the scrum they were dominating. Captain for the day AJ elected for the corner where dubutant Hooker Rowan held his nerve to hit his man and from the resulting drive O'Dell took advantage of a vacant blind side to score. Scott failing to add the extras from wide out. 19 - 0.

The last score seemed to break the Ashbourne spirit and led to Newarks most sustained possession of the half and despite some resolute defending from the Ashbourne forwards further backchat and ill discipline resulted in another 10m & a Newark penalty being kicked into the corner. A change of tactic with everyone expecting the catch and drive, a quick 'off the top' gave Scott the space and time to throw the most outrageous dummy and get over the line with the full back in tow, I think the Ashbourne 10 is still looking for the pass now! This time Scott was successful with the kick. 26 - 0

A fantastic turnover from the hard working pack allowed Hill to break down the blind side and chase his own kick. Great support forced another Newark penalty which was compounded by a further 10m advance for back chat - you have to feel if it was a little closer a small break for the Ashbourne 12 would have been in order, either that or directions to the nearest football pitch! - This time it was kicked for goal by Scott. 29 - 0.

Further fantastic game management by O'Dell, Scott & Cox put Ashbourne under pressure and from a poor clearance Webster finished well evading a couple of tacklers on his way to the line after supporting another great break by Hill. Converted by Scott.

Newark were not finished there - After Ashbourne gave away a free kick for pushing early Webster made a trade mark break, offloading in the tackle and further great interplay and support resulted in Scott going under the posts for his second of the day. Scott converted his own try from under the posts. 43 - 0

Half Time - Newark 43 - 0 Ashbourne

Newark were now playing into the wind and the rapidly dropping sun however the second half started like the first, confusion from Ashbourne at the kick off allowed for a Newark line out - a simple crash ball from Cox saw him smash over from just outside the 22 with a couple of defenders with him. Converted by Scott. 50 - 0.

Ashbourne then had their best period of the game so far camped down in the Newark half with pressure only relieved by good kicking from Scott following steals by several forwards & Cox making effective use of his size. The game entered a bit of a lull following the excitement of the first half with a few of the Newark players becoming over confident and trying to force plays that were not on. Resolute defence stopped Ashbourne from troubling the Newark line in any serious way. Although starved of possesion Newark always looked dangerous on the break and sure enough that man Scott made a break before feeding Bevan who put Grant into the corner in text book fashion. Scott failing to Add the extras. 55 - 0.

Ashbourne again rallied and used the wind to gain effective field position. A massive hit from Jack, settling into his new position in the front row well, was not enough as confusion in the backs led to scrambling defence and an Ashbourne penalty with Kash heading to the bin for a red zone offence of not releasing spoiling an effective day at Open Side. The extra man in the already dominant pack was too much for Newark and the rather mouthy Ashbourne 12 crashed over from 5m out for their first points of the day. Conversion Missed. 55 - 5.

Further pressure from Ashbourne resulted in good field position and finally a kick through worked for them as the full back beat Thompson to the ball for their second score of the game. Conversion Missed. 55-10.

The final ten minutes were a scrappy wind down to the game however Newark were not quite finished yet as Cox made a break from his own 22 but was caught around the Ashbourne 22, not quite having the pace to go the distance - or just scared of buying a jug - great Newark support and quick hands resulted in a try for Bevan in the corner. Scott completed the scoring with the conversion. 62 - 10.

In conclusion the score didn't flatter Newark who took their chances, controlled the game through the half backs, in particular Man of the Match Alex Scott, and played some great rugby. It was a little harsh on Ashbourne who perhaps didn't deserve to lose quite so heavily. The future for Newark looks incredibly bright with some fantastic players coming through the ranks which will be sure to have some of the guys in the team above looking over their shoulder a little bit. A comprehensive win against a side who have beaten Newark on the previous two occasions, with so many young or debut players at this level is a great thing to see. Well done to all who stepped up and gave the selectors a real headache.

Trys:
Cox x 2
Thompson
O'Dell
Scott x 2
Webster
Grant
Bevan

Conv.:
Scott x 7

Pen.
Scott x 1