Notts Medics v Newark 2nds

A game against Notts Meds means only one thing they will play a quick paced game.

Newark’s plan was simple, limited and straight forward, quick line speed; protect the ball and nothing fancy!! Newark executed the plan to the letter, with 80% of possession and territory Newark had the young Med’s team pinned in their own half, but three simple mistakes cost Newark 19 points in the first half!

Newark pressed hard hitting the ruck with grit and determination the pack at times were awesome but in an attempt to inject some width resulted in a missed final pass on the left; player interference allowed the Medics wing take advantage and he ran in the opening try 5-0 with Newark struggling to chase him down.

Newark continued with their game plan, Crosby leading the charge made some excellent line breaks and carries. Once again the pack made the ground putting some powerful pick and goes together. The front row of Nick Barton, Jake Turner and Cory Green who on this day could have taken any pack on (shame Newark selection committee didn’t see it) smashed the opposition in every department. the rest of the pack Jason Matthysz, Fothers, Crosby and Sooty played their part in the maul and in particularly at the line-out, with Newark's terrier Godfrey disrupting around the breakdown and with good line speed by the backs the Meds found it difficult to run the game at their pace.

Newark nailed Meds on their goal line which they defended well, as Newark attempted to open the door with a cross field kick into the goal area it fell to the hands of the Meds full back who ran the ball the length of the field to extend the score to 12-0 with the extra points from the kick. Again (what can I say) Newark drove the ball into the Meds 22 but a simple mistake saw the ball turned over and Meds were at the other end with a 7 point score 19-0.

19-0 meant nothing to Newark the way they playing, there was no panic; let’s face it the score line was completely against the run of the game!! Newark were soon back pressing the Meds line, the afternoon saw 23 scrums and Newark were winning them with ease. As Meds conceded penalties Newark elected to re-set scrum after scrum and finally pushed the home side over the whitewash with Fothers steering, he dropped on the ball as the line appeared and New got a well-deserved try 19-5.

Newark were on the score board again although the game had not been a backs outing they contributed to the second try with some excellent handling and line breaks, new signing Franny playing in the centre destroyed Meds defence wiping players aside with his power. With Newark now back in the Meds half a scrum was won, Fothers at 8 picked up threw a grass cutter of a pass to Overland who skilfully gathered the ball on his ankles and went over in the corner, adding the 2 points with a lovely kick Overland had got New back in the game 19-12. Medics then scored another try just before half time this time they had worked for the ball running in the score from a nice flowing move.

24-12 at Halftime.

The second half proved to be a test of Newark’s fitness, the hard physical work of the first 40mins saw a tiring set of forwards, but showing true persistence through the tenacious Crosby and toothless Godfrey biting the ankles of the opposition Newark kept moving forward. It was indeed Crosby who added the next score on the crash drive following a good drive from half way, Overland missed the kick as the breeze carried the ball onto the upright. 24-17.

Sadly as Newark tired Medic’s started to open up the field with their pace and they were soon pressing Newark on their 22, they won a scrum against the head………..the only scrum they won all day, fired a set of quick passes and scored a try in the right corner 29-17. Sooty was then replaced (great effort Sooty) by Newark’s only sub (the one with no name…………..sorry mate!!!) who fitted straight into the pack to continue their efforts but Meds who had been battered in close contact with them used a grub a kick through the Newark line, they failed to deal with it and the home side extended the score 34-17.

To Newark’s credit heads did not drop but the forwards struggled at times to keep up with the game as they ran on empty. Newark’s backs finally got the opportunity to pick the mantle and run at the Meds, Newark tried in vain to put bonus point score together but could not make that final push through Meds defence. A charged down chip over which if it had worked would have given that hard worked point was returned for the Medic’s final 7 point score ending the game. 41-17.

Medic’s were over the moon with the win quite rightly, but Newark’s 2nds had put in an awesome performance which did not get reflected in the score line. Newark’s proud team who had worked hard for each other left the field with the head coaches and spectators admiration…………….same next week please brilliant game to watch.