Newark 2nds V Sutton Bonnington

Sutton Bonnington started strongly with the young side showing good pace but Newark stood firm in defence absorbing the early pressure. Newark were up to the challenge and grafted hard to exploit SB at the breakdown which opened the door for Newark to break on the left wing, Sam Dodson made an impressive 25 metre run and laid off a wonderful inside pass to the young Ed Poulson who went over the whitewash to open score 5-0 with the missed conversion. Newark extended the score again down the left wing Newark’s pack dominating the scrum this set up Dobson who this time went all the way into the goal area, 12-0 up with Johnny Marshall kicking the 2 extra points.

After twenty minutes Newark appeared to switch off losing their initial spark they also lost ‘Kash’ pack and lineout leader to injury which did not help the cause. SB using their pace soon levelled the score with two tries of their own. 12-12. Newark continued to take pressure from the visitors and did not really help themselves although defending well in close contact Newark could not find touch on the exit allowing SB’s backs to run straight back at Newark’s line which eventually cracked conceding two more tries before half time leaving Newark 12-26 down. Newark did make inroads into Suttons 22 again playing some old fashioned up your jumper rugby but found it hard going with lack of support on the pick and go! Newark finally got some reward SB at last got pinged for continual infringements at the ruck, this allowed Newark to draw 3 points closer at half time with Marshall kicking a penalty 15-26.

After some early possession by SB which found Newark pinned in their half Newark once again started to fire on all cylinders!! A bit old school forwards stuff finally set the backs up with a great opportunity, Dobson and Poulson again linking well on the wing, but Dobson was taken into touch just 2 metres short of putting Newark firmly back in the game. Newark continued to push but just could not find a way through. Newark then lost 70 metres and a score against the run of play. 15-29.

Newark stuck to the task and the forwards put in a great effort to get under the visitors posts, prop Jordan Hamstead popped a nice little pass up to Nick Barton after the drive had come to a halt and he went over to keep Newark in touch with Marshall’s kick ‘PROPS UNITED’ Sadly Newark then drifted off the pace and SB fitness and pace started to show, Rich Byrom found his way the bin apparently a deliberate slap down (two hands…..interception…….knock on YES!! Do you know who you sent off Ref? Only RB’s 2nd YC in 44 years!!!). Newark were now on a hiding to nothing and conceding to further scores although SB ended with only 14 men on the field, getting a YC for pushing the laws of rucking once again….just a bit late I think!! The game finished 22-41.

Newark played some cracking rugby at times, in two 20 min spells they were in total control, with some great contributions from Sam Dobson and Ed Poulson. Newark were undone by pace and fitness.