Newark 2nds v Southwell 2nds

In the words of Eddie Jones 'we play that poor but still win it shows where we are' much the same from Newark on Saturday against Southwell in a club triple header. The first half started slow and ended slow and really didn't change pace in 35 mins the only score being Newark's wing scoring a try 5-0 at halftime...........read on.

Newark’s 21 players were looking forward to this local derby following a 2 week break which also marked the return of Tom Crosby after a year out of the game. The match got off to a surprisingly slow start with Newark applying some early pressure. Holding Southwell in their half but with no way through both sides resorted to a grinding forwards game Newark attacking and Southwell defending, it took the vision of Slack to inject a bit pace with a lovely chip over the visitors line with the forwards following up ‘our sausage’ Primmit almost opened the score but fell inches short as Southwell defended their goal line.

Both sides seemed to struggle with any pace, structure and discipline and the first half proved to be a scrappy affair. Sadly Newark failed to take advantage of Southwell’s misdemeanours missing one easy penalty and turning down 2 others in favour of the driving game. Crosby’s return did add some fire at the breakdown making a number of useful turnovers.

With Newark having most of the territory and possession it was unusual to see Southwell in the Newark 22 but solid defence ensured no points for the visitors with Robby Hunter Shaw showing good kicking skills on the exits. Newark continued to press and made finally made some penetrating line breaks, Crosby almost finding his way through but lost the ball in the final tackle yards short in open field.

Newark continued to press with the pick and drive as Primmit and Nick Barton hammered the Southwell line, finally with Southwell sucked into defending their posts Newark pushed the ball wide and Sam Dodson went in the corner with 5 minutes left……..finally a break through 5-0 and the half-time score. It was a dull first half!

Newark made a number of changes at half time which seem to inject some fight, but still opting to drive the ball Newark set a great maul from a lineout and gained a useful ground, with Ennals firing the ball to the wing Newark looked to score but the impressive Southwell 8 who had put in a gritty performance throughout the game saved the try.

As Newark pulled their game together, Southwell started to leave useful space which Newark took advantage of, Kent Birch ran a great line down the middle of the park drew the centres and with Crosby on his right in support, Crosby was in for and easy score though the big gap left, Overland added the extra two points and Newark were on their way. 12-0. Newark finally started to show what they could do, some great rugby was played which inspired the home spectators, finding touch with some good kicking Newark again pinned Southwell in their 22, Newark's commanding lineout secured the ball set the drive and Webby crashed over to extend the score to 17-0.

Southwell did get on the score board with about 10 minutes left, good play had seen them push Newark to the 5 metre line with a maul although the bindings were suspect and the ref allowed them to continue and they touched down and added the kick 17-7. Newark had the final say in the game and stamped their authority on the game when Webby added his second effort of the day following more forwards pressure in the visitors 22 after Southwell discipline had gone out of the window.

Final score 22-7.

Not Newark’s best performance but a win is a win!!