Back to back wins for the first time this season is hopefully the sign of some regular consistency from Newarks 2nd XV's results.
It was however another changed side that took the field with Matt Cove returning to playing this season at hooker, Dave Shiels getting his first run out at tight head and Mark Staines also returning into the pack. The backs only saw 1 change with Jordon Cleaver dropping onto the wing in place of substitute Ivor Hughes.
Again it was great rugby weather and with an opposition with 30 players (and allegedly 4 more turning up after kick off) Newark knew a quick start was imperative against a young fit Uni side in this Pennant League fixture.

Newark got the start they wanted and quickly dominated in the forwards.
Nottingham were tackling well but couldn't cope with the constant barrage from the forwards, after 10 minutes I was held up going for the line (the pass wasn't on according to my winger, cheers Jordon), from the resulting scrum I fed 9 Ennals for a simple try which wasn't converted,

Nottingham were soon a second score behind as broken play saw Newark attack down the right for the ball to come back in field and Mark Staines crashed through the centres for the score, Overland converting.
Nottingham started to up the physicality in the pack and were starting to come into the game it took some stern defence with Cleaver in particularly making some great tackles and turning over ball. As it looked like Nottingham were getting a foothold in the game Newark broke and after another series of strong forwards drives the ball found 10 Bridges who stepped 2 tackles to score, Overland again converted for a 19 point lead.

If Newark thought that was the game then Nottingham quickly reminded us that taking your foot off the gas can quickly lead to points, Newark were first pushed back at the scrum and then 3 missed tackles outside the 22 lead to Nottingham scoring in the corner, a good solo effort helped by poor tackling. Conversion missed.
As half time approached Newarks forwards had re-addressed the order of things and when they delved deep into the half centre Sibilski was held up over the line. The resulting scrum saw a powerful 8 walk it over the line for myself to put down for the score. With Overland converting it gave a healthy 26 - 5 lead to take into the second half and a bonus point secured.

The second 40 really saw Newark with their backs to the wall. Possession was not being controlled and a fitter Nottingham side were starting to win more at the break downs, missed first up tackles (again) lead to some desperate scrambled defence.
A 10 minute period saw Nottingham go over in the corners twice and the 21 point lead was cut to 11. Changes saw Burnett come in at prop, Hughes to the wing and Robinson to 7 and it was Robinson who rapped up the win as Newark attacked down a tight blind side and Paddy finished off coolly with a 20 meter dash for the corner. 31 - 15.

The final minutes of the game saw a determined Newark defence keeping out an equally determined Notts attack, all credit to the opposition for battling to the end.

Another physical game which Newark deserved to win but easily could have been tighter on the score board. Well played lads.
After the game the ref assured me only 4 subs came on from the opposition, which 4 nobody knows.

Alex Jackson

View the last published League table at the following link

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