The figures tell it all

Paviors 2nds 8 - Newark 2nds - 8

8 all, 4 yellow cards, 2 trys, 2 penalties and 2 punch ups.
The figures tell it all, this was an evenly fought contest which should really have finished 20 each except for some resolute defending and inability to finish off moves.

Newark saw the return of 3 players with Matt Cox coming into the centres, Freddie Tatham following a back injury in the 2nd row and Steven Fawkes making his debut following long term injury also at 2nd row. Keith Bennett came in at tight head prop and Sam Sibilski returned to outside centre after a run on the wings for the firsts the previous week. Tom Hill was a late addition from the 3rds and started wing.

The conditions were perfect for rugby and soon a frantic game of rugby was to ensue. Neither side early doors were able to put their game together, both regularly turning over ball. When any pressure was forced by Newark a penalty would be committed and Paviors let off the hook. Mid way through the half the first points of the match went Paviors way when a series of penalties allowed them out of their half and when the game went stretched they worked it wide to score in the corner. 5 0.

Newark started to break game lines with Sam Sibilski and Fred Tatham both charging in on the Paviors 15, neither move could be finished as support play was late in arriving. It was in the dying seconds of the half that Newark got level when good forward play produced quick ball, Richard Byrom fed Ivor Hughes who came up short only to pop the ball to Paddy Robinson to score in the corner. 5 all and half time.

The second half saw both teams tighten up the frantic play but still unable to really get on top of one another. With 20 minutes to go a Paviors penalty saw them go 8 - 5 ahead. Then the game got tasty as Newark pressed to get a score, two brawls brought a quick succession of yellow cards, 2 for each side as Craig Hawes and Matt Cox both got ten minutes rest. 13 aside saw gaps appear all over the pitch and when Newark pressed they earned a penalty in the Paviors 22 which was slotted home by Matt Woolridge to draw level.

The game finished with 1 significant chance for Newark that saw Sam Sibilski break free and feed Craig Johnson who unfortunately wasn't 2 inches taller as the ball hit his finger tips outstretched only to knock on with the line beckoning.

The result was right but both teams will remember the chances to win the game as well as the defence that at times was superb.
Points to note, Steven Fawkes 73 minutes played. Tom Bridges continuing his development at 10, Paddy Robinson 2 in 2 games this week and Ivor Hughes who impressed on the wing.

Team

Bennett
Chandler
Dawson
Fawkes
Tatham
Robinson
Hawes
Jackson
Woolridge
Bridges
Cox
Sibilski
Hughes
Hill
Byrom

Johnson
Harrison
Holmes
Hodnett