Newark 2nd XV V West Bridgford

Newark fielded a youthful side that included 4 senior youth debutants against a well organised and drilled West Bridgford and the home side but in a solid performance and were still in the game at half time even at 7-12.

West Bridgford’s pace was evident from the start as they pushed Newark into their own 22, an early penalty in front of the posts saw Newark with a let-off as Bridgford’s 10 fluffed the kick. Newark were clearly happy to take the game to the visitors with good work at the breakdown from the front 3 and at the set pieces with Ed Poulson (U17 debutant) making the lineout his. However it was WB that opened the score with their quick ball and passing. With Newark stretched on the wing it allowed the pacey 13 to sprint into the corner and touchdown for the 0-5 lead.

Newark came straight back putting the visitors under pressure but they could not convert this into points. With Newark firmly on the front foot it looked like they would finally score but against the run of play WB broke out, getting away with an obvious forward pass they went up 0-12. Once again Newark showed character and started to use the pace they had in the backs, Chas Dixon and Josh Clack ‘the ging on the wings’ made good ground. It was however young Dixon (U17 debutant) who after the forwards had sucked in the defence broke the line and off loaded the ball to Johnny Statham to open Newark’s account, Reece Overland then made the kick to add the 2 extra points 7-12 HT

The second half was about building on the good work in the first, but Newark were caught asleep missing several easy tackles to allow WB to go up 7-19 within minutes of the start. Newark then suffered the injustice of the day with WB linesman 50 metres behind play and texting, the ball was clearly carried out by the visitor’s wing, the ref gave the lineout the wrong way and then Newark got a yellow card!! With 14 men, WB deep in Newark’s 22 they won a lineout set the maul and dropped over for a 5 point score 7-24.
With changes made to Newark’s line up which saw Lewis Himsworth and James Kelly (2 more U17 debutants) take the field the home side tried in vain to raise their game but heads were down and WB took advantage, with both their 9 and 10 orchestrating the moves they whipped the ball along the line to beat Newark’s defence in the corner and with the kick adding to the final score the game ended on 7-31 at FT.

West Bridgford were a well drilled and tight unit which broke Newark in the second half, Newark who were a young side need to continue to build on what they did well in the first half, it’s a game of 80 minutes!!
All played well we just need that extra bite, congratulations to the 4 senior youth players who all made valuable contributions.

By Mick Barton