Newark 2nds travelled to Kettering for the third time in the last 4 years.
The previous 2 fixtures had ended in a win for either side, both games closely contended.

Selection headaches in the forwards had resulted in back row Gareth Barsch returning from South Africa to be told he was hooking (lesson, don't go away during the season), I moved from 8 to prop - Ben McCarthy returning from a season out started at 2nd row and club stalwart Mark Staines came in at 8 after hoping for 20 minutes with the 3's after returning recently from injury.
The backs were as strong a line up as we have named with a debut for Jordan Cleaver on the wing and Johny Statham returning to the other wing.

The game kicked off and a young Kettering side came at Newark strong, tackles were going in but Kettering were off loading well and the predicted tough match was on the cards. After the initial barrage it was a Kettering move that broke down and when Staines kicked the ball on controlling it down the wing (dare I say it) like a young Ryan Giggs, it was Jordan who latched onto the ball to score on his debut. 7 - 0 soon became 17 - 0 as Johny Statham twice did his opposite man for pace and strength, first with a kick chase and secondly running straight over him.
A hat trick try was then denied with a foot in touch for Statham, the resulting line out was stolen and Sibilski was put in through the centres 24 - 0. Kettering after 30 minutes built up some pressure and scored after some determined defence by Newark. 24 - 5.
The resulting Newark kick off saw a Kettering player block the oncoming charge of Fred Tatham giving a penalty which Cox promptly slotted over the posts for 27 - 5. Kettering again came at Newark and as the Newark line was defended, Dunc dawson was carded for slowing the ball at a ruck (well he was lying on top of the ball).
The final score of the half did go the way of 14 man Newark as Staham completed his hat trick as another break away saw him cut inside the winger and full back to also make the conversion easier for Cox, 34 – 5

Half time.

The second half got off to some flowing rugby by Newark as ball was moved effortlessly about the pitch, the previous game had seen 18 handling errors, now we were putting phases with 18 passes in (maybe a slight exaggeration, what a difference a week makes). Another penalty from Cox for 37 -5 and then the return of Dawson to the pitch gave the start Newark wanted to the half and when Hawes broke multiple tackles and Sibilski added his second the game was effectively over.
Kettering did earn a consolation score after a 2 minute period where Newark really did switch off. Hill and Edlin came on the wings and again showed they can live at this level and Jordan was to add a second to his tally when given a run in the centers, Cox kicking all 3 conversions of the half.

Great win if slightly unexpected.

Points to note, Mark Staines re-arranging his work commitments to travel at the last minute, Gareth Barsch excellent line out, Cox 18 points from the boot and some excellent field position kicking, Richard Byrom's audacious dummy, and Johnny Statham confusing Fred Tatham when he came on at flanker and refused to let go of him after a scrum (stick to the wing Johnny).

Team: Dawson Barsch Jackson McCarthy Tatham Hodnett Hawes Staines Wooldridge Bridges Cox Sibilski Cleaver Statham Byrom Hill Edlin

Alex Jackson

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http://www.newarkrugby.net/pennantleague.htm