More of the same was the order of the day

A first half of control and explosive running set up this first victory in 4 matches, but my days Newark had to dig deep in the 2nd half to ensure the win.

With 5 players promoted to the 1st XV on Thursday night the resources were stretched once again. Fortunately James Price and David Fotheringham returning from injury bolstered the forwards and the wing pairing of Overland and Tom Hill ensured a side with 2nd team experience was named. Hill and Fotheringham benched whilst Overland and Price went straight in to the starting XV.

The first half couldn't have been better from Newark except for maybe the score line.
Rasen didn't encroach into the Newark 22 at all as the Newark forwards controlled the game and the backs with Bridges at 10 made consistent yards. 10 minutes in and the first score came as the forwards rumbled forwards and Ennals back in at 9 fed Jackson to crash over from 10 yards, Overland converted.
5 minutes to go and the score line was doubled as Sibilski took his tally to 18 trys for the season with a mazy run from the 10 metre line, Overland again converting.
14 0
Half time.

More of the same was the order of the day going into the second 40 minutes. Changes saw Hill and Fotheringham on for Edlin and Bolger. Holmes went to hooker and Samuels to Tight head.
It took Rasen 5 minutes to get back in the game as Jackson (yes that's me and I was fined) through an intercepted pass, Phillips at 15 made the initial tackle, but from the resulting pressure Rasen went over. 14 - 5.
Newark regrouped and did exactly what was required and controlled for a 5 minute period which saw Ennals feeding Tom Hill in the corner, 19 - 5, then came switch off.
10 minutes of shovelling poor ball and not being able to find control put Rasen right back in the game.
As much as Newark were being inept, Rasen were to take their chance and 2 quick trys, both converted brought the game back to 19 - 19. Newark brought on Robinson at this point, a last throw of the dice.
A double sin binning following a spear tackle and retaliation saw Newark loose scrum half Ennals for 10 minutes, Overland came in from the wing and for 10 minutes put in a display that started getting the pack working together again. Newark were camped in the Rasen 22 and when Ennals returned he straight away fed back row Robinson lurking on the wing to go over for the winning score. 24 - 19.
As the clock ticked down Newark controlled well once more.
The panic of earlier still very much in the minds of the players.
Final whistle, thank goodness for that.

Ilkeston at home next week in the league, no excuses,

Newark must play for 80 minutes.

Alex Jackson