A VERY DISAPPOINTING END

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd XV V Southwell 1’s

Lost 43-3

A disappointing performance

With the Ilkeston game cancelled on Thursday, a game against Southwell 1’s was hastily arranged.
After 4 wins on the bounce Newark arrived confident that they could turn over their local rivals 1st team. However unfortunately it was not to be and after one of the most disappointing performances of the season they were well beaten.

The game started well and Newark dominated the early exchanges but solid defence from the home side and ‘white line fever’ from the visitors meant no early score.
Southwell then took the initiative and from a good handling move involving backs and forwards they opened the scoring.
Back came Newark and from some strong forward running they were awarded a penalty, Matt Cox stepped up to reduce the arrears 3-7.

Newark continued to dominate play but were held up by some solid and aggressive defence from Southwell.
Eventually the home side broke out and again good handling and a break from the centre combined with some rather lack lustre tackling from Newark allowed them to increase their lead to 12-3.

This was further enhanced when just before half time a wayward kick from Newark landed in the Southwell right wingers hands and he ran through several tackles before scoring. 19-3 at half time.

Newark needed to start the second half well but from the restart Southwell took the initiative and increased their lead further 26-3.

To their credit Newark dug deep and for the next 20 minutes dominated possession but could not score.
The home side defending with real grit and determination.

Then with a bare 10 minutes to go Newark allowed Southwell to throw the ball wide and their left winger ran the ball in for a fifth try.

Very disappointingly the visitors seemed to give up hope after this and from the restart very poor tackling allowed the home side to run in two more tries.

A very disappointing end.

Final score 43-3. Everybody who played knows this was a game best forgotten.

Newark have 2 must wins games next weekend – the 1’s against BELGRAVE and the 2’s against MATLOCK. If we are to win these games our Tackling and DESIRE to defend must be at its best.

Come on Lads let’s make it a weekend to remember.