Newark 2nd XV V Paviors

Newark put out a quality side that showed true Newark grit and commitment against old rivals Paves who were made to work hard for every yard and point. The Newark squad included senior youth debutant Tom Mawer who played at full back.

Conditions under foot were extremely difficult; the muddy and slippery pitch dictated the style of play which probably suited our visitors. Newark clearly up the contest took on the gnarly Pavs pack on at every opportunity and matched them hands down. The trench warfare produced a half with no scores but plenty of incident and heated debate as the boundaries of the laws were tested more often by Pavs. Both sides had opportunities to score, Newark in hindsight should have been up 6-0 with two penalty kicks but the desire for yardage and the driving game left them pointless as handling errors and good defence kept them on the wrong side of the whitewash. Newark defended well as Pavs pressed to open the score prior to half time but they were unbreakable and showed some excellent exit strategies with the confident boot of young Tom Mawer. 0-0 HT

The second half produced much of the same, in your face tough rugby with every single player doing their bit with Josh Witton (Man the Match) leading the fight with some excellent work at the line out, carries and commitment at the breakdown. Newark’s pack fought hard but were finally broken-down after some sustained pressure from 19-20 phases of Pavs pick and drives, which left the smallest of gaps in the line for Pavs to score with an out stretched arm. The try was converted to a relieved Pavs side 0-7. This ding-dong battle saw Newark back down in the Pavs 22 as the blue and whites looked to be in for a score with a cracking grub kick and chase from Reece Overland who was clearly blocked. Has the half progressed both sides made fielded replacements young Godfrey and O’Dell for Newark who both contributed to a good performance. Pavs wing replacement added some real pace and he extended the visitors tally to 0-14 after a strong break down Newark right wing which was converted from under the posts. Newark continued the fight to the very end literally!! A 30 man rumble including the subs ensued on Pavs 22 after a no arms tackles had flattened Newark’s centre, the Ref managed get things under control and Newark resumed their push but ran out of time. 0-14 FT

This was game was a cracking game to watch and both sides should be congratulated for their efforts in such difficult conditions. Newark deserved more from the game, everyone involved commented on the true grit and effort shown by every single Newark player, well done lads more of the same and the win will come.

By Mick Barton