2’s make a winning start

REPORT WRITTEN BY RICHARD BYROM

2nd Xv v Paviors Saturday 10th September

It is great to report on a winning start for the 2nd XV after a very difficult year as far as results were concerned last year
Playing our local rivals Paviors away at Burnt Stump was always going to be a difficult first encounter but apart from a poor 15 minutes at the beginning of the second half it was a very encouraging performance and result.

The game was very evenly contested for the first 15 minutes with both sides having possession of the ball. The deadlock was broken when from a spilt ball in the middle of the pitch a great break from full back Jono Marshall breaking a couple of tackles to find James Stark on his shoulder and Newark were in front 5-0

Shortly afterwards the lead was doubled when debutant Alex Richards made a timely break in midfield to find Gareth Bartch on his shoulder and he completed the touch down. Newark were starting to really enjoy a large amount of territory and possession and from more dominance a beautifully flighted cross kick from Robbie Hunter Shaw, Rhys Overland collected and scored. Jono Marshall added the extra 2 points and Newark were leading 19-0 after 30 minutes .

Then either side of half time, Newark seemed to just switch off, thinking the job was done and Paviors really took the game to the visitors. Poor tackling let them score just before half time and then after the break more inept defending and poor decision making let the home side score two more tries. It was now 19-17 and game on

However to their credit. Newark responded really well. The forwards began to take control, and through some very good scrummaging and some strong running in the forwards particularly from Price, Clark and Garland the visitors started to dominate again. A penalty from Jono Marshall increased the lead and there then followed burst of three tries in quick succession form Robbie H-S, a second for Rhys Overland and Neil Clark. Newark were now firmly on top and when debutant Rob Tiplady popped up to score Newark’s 7 try it sealed a really good win.

Paviors to their credit scored a consolation try in the last few minutes as the game finished 48-22. It had been a very encouraging performance from the men in blue and white and hopefully this will act as the bench mark for the rest of the season.

Next up Matlock away in the Pennant