Newark needed a good positive start

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd xv v Ashbourne
Won 46-5
Back to winning ways

Having lost their previous 3 games to the RAF, West Bridgford and the Medics it is great to report the 2nd team bounced back in real style with a good all round performance against Ashbourne

In a much changed side (in fact there were only 3 players remaining from the side who played against Medics) Newark needed a good positive start and they got the perfect tonic when after 2 minutes Neil McKenna took an interception pass and galloped over the line from 40metres. Shortly afterwards, Ashbourne were penalised and Alex O’Dell stroked the ball over and it was 8-0 after 10 minutes.

Back came the visitors and with strong running in their forwards Ashbourne threatened the Newark line, but good defence kept them out but unfortunately at a cost. A head injury to youngster Tom Crosby meant he had to leave the pitch after 15 minutes.

Some strong running from Tom O’Leary put Newark back on the offensive and then a very simple move in the backs created space for Jordan Slack to drive his way over the line, O’Dell added the extra two points and it was now 15-0.

Almost straight away from the restart, the ball found its way into Rogey’s hands and from his own 10 metre line he produced a staggering show of strength and speed, to score an amazing 60 metre solo try, ‘Swatting’ the Ashbourne tacklers away as they tried to tackle him. A great try and one which the crowd really enjoyed. 22-0 up and only 25 minutes into the game.

But the visitors refused to let Newark have their own way and again produced some strong running from their forwards and when a couple of tackles were missed the Ashbourne right winger took advantage and ran in their first try to reduce the arrears. 22-5 at the interval

After the break Newark really started to move up a gear and instead of keeping the ball tight they began to play a much more expansive game.
Dave Garland added the first score from a lovely flowing move and then youngster Nick Barton was driven over the line to score his first senior try.
Newark were in total control, Tom O’Leary added a sixth as he powered his way over and then left winger Joe Green completed a good afternoons work by scoring in the corner.

Final score Newark 46 Ashbourne 5

It had been a very satisfying all round team performance. There were lots of contenders for man of the match, the front row of Hempsted, Barton and Rogey all played well, what a try Rogey!!! Garland was impressive as always in the back row, Ford and Birch controlled things well in midfield. O’Leary made huge yardage carrying the ball.

But Man of the match went to Jordan Slack for his strong running and all round game play.

Next week it’s a week off for the World Cup final but the following week it’s another very important Pennant fixture against local rivals Paviors . Let’s hope we have everybody training and making themselves available- because if we do there is no doubt Newark have the potential to be in contention at the top of the Pennant at the end of the season