West Bridgford V Newark 2nds

Newark were looking to extend their unbeaten run to four victories in their match against West Bridgford on Saturday, but with 7 changes to the squad a tight team performance was needed and Newark did not disappoint.

Newark went out in a positive and aggressive mood pinning the home side down in their own 22 following a good start. A yellow card for WB saw them reduced to 14 and with Newark’s forward dominance they set up a great drive of 10 metres to see Harry Pick crash over in the 7th minute which was converted by Rob Hunter Shaw.

Newark then suffered a yellow for a doubtful high tackle; with Newark a man down WB took advantage to level the score to the frustration of Newark. The home sides discipline was continually tested by Newark who were playing ‘in your face rugby’ which resulted penalty after penalty, having missed one kick Johnny Marshall kicked his second attempt through the posts to give the lead back to Newark.

Newark continued to play some good structured rugby with the lineout and scrums working well it set up the backs with the opportunity to run at the home defence Rob Hunter Shaw in particular making some useful line breaks. The momentum was with Newark but WB fought hard and pushed Newark back deep into their 22, what appeared to great defensive work on the wing was judged to be illegal, yet another penalty was given and WB were level 10-10. From the kick off Newark chased hard, pinning down the full back, he was penalised for holding on and Marshall kicked the pen, Newark were up 10-13 at halftime.

The game continued to be a hard fought contest with Newark taking the game to WB, some superb work in the backs released Sam Dobson on the left wing, he put in a strong run into the corner but a try saving tackle forced him into touch 1 metre from the whitewash. The whistle was becoming a serious influence on the game, Newark were again awarded a penalty which Marshall slotted over to extend the score to 10-16. Newark looked comfortable but a serious head injury saw Harry Pick depart, Newark suffered two further yellow cards again for some very dubious high tackle decisions. Down to 13 WB took full advantage and with Newark not having the width in defence the home side scored, 15-16. Newark’s grit continued to show and they were soon back in the WB’s 22, some persistent pick and goes from the forwards finally set up a great opportunity for Nick Moore to find a gap in the defence running at speed he went in under the posts with ease, sadly the effort was not converted.

WB still had a 2 player advantage going into the final phase of the game and they once again came back with a try to within 1 point of Newark, it was simply now a matter of hanging on to the win. WB took a line outline just in Newark’s half, the throw would not have hit a barn door but was deemed straight….NEVER!! The advantage gained left Newark defending with everything they had but not surprisingly the whistle intervened again, penalty to WB in front of the posts; 23-21 to the home side. As the game entered the last few minutes and with Newark back to full strength they smashed their way back up to goal line, scrums lineouts more scrums the game went into overtime, Newark penalty, last kick of the game out on the wing!!! Great effort the kick just slid past the post and the whistle blew!!

What a game!! Newark in control for 80% of the time and in the lead throughout………………gutted but what a great team effort.

We send our best wishes to Harry and our thanks to Rachel Godfrey for taking him down to Queens Med for repairs.

At home next week something our supporters can look forward too.