Kesteven 2nds V Newark 2nds

Good conditions prevailed for rugby at Kesteven, but it was very cold for the spectators in this well-supported game. A number of Newark stalwarts popped down the see the 2nds have a run out and were treated to a killer performance. I’m sure the support was much appreciated by the lads.

Newark were soon on the front foot smashing the first scrum and dominating at the ruck which proved to be a trend for the game, it was this early destructive mood that opened an opportunity to take the lead with a smooth flowing passing move which released Reece Overland to sprint in 0-5. From the restart Newark were straight back into the home side's face with a great break from Jordan Slack which nailed Kes deep into their 22 supported by Jake Turner who did some great work in the contact areas. Phase after phase played out but Newark could not convert the pressure into points with Kes defending with all they had, relief coming at the ‘cold’ hands of Newark who could not find the final pass and the ever increasing intervention of the whistle. Kes could not exit their half as Newark’s dominance continued to test the defence, Chris Tait took full advantage showing some excellent pace calving though the defensive line to extend the lead with Tom Mawer kicking the extra points. 0-12.

Once again Newark returned the ball from the KO to gain valuable territory with kick to touch. At lineout the pressure from Kash was invaluable, he had no problem disrupting the throw in winning the ball which set up a lovely flowing move across the park opening the door for Overland to break the line and feed Josh Clack to sprint in for a good quality try 0-17. Minutes later Newark were over the whitewash again, Starky this time running in from just outside the 22 showing pace on the left wing after the pack had put a good drive together, AJ passed the ball backhanded he nor anyone else knew how he produced this piece of skill but Starky took the points 0-22. Newark had not finished their complete rout of the home defence as Taity added a further score and his second of the day from a tremendous looping run of 40 metres (Yes 40 metres!!!) and with Mawers conversion it took the lead to 0-29 at halftime.

The second half started much better for the home side and to their credit they showed some real intent pinning Newark back on their goal line but Newark resisted, tackling hard and holding up one try attempt. Newark took play back to the halfway line where a midfield battle took place………close contact, foul play, unrecognisable signals from the ref, enough whistle to think you were at a railway station but out of this came a great solo effort from Rory Williams (who is a giant) He had come on as replacement at halftime took the ball from Mawer in a close pass just inside their half, handing off two defenders he took 5 steps, covered half the field and dotted down under the posts, Mawer kicked the easy conversion 0-36.

As the game continued both sides were left bewildered with the stoppages to the whistle, RB running the line had tears running down his cheeks as some cracking jovial comments came from the crowd!! Newark continued to find ways to break the line, Tom Mawer made a great attempt at a kick and run only to fail to reach the goal line by inches to the disappointment of his mother ‘as she was heard to say rubbish……..no supper for you sonny’!!! However he made good scoring moments later after some good work by the pack that set up an opportunity in the corner 0-41. Newark should have extended their score with two more tries from Webby and Clack but the whistle blew for forward passes………replay please TMO. Newark did score twice more the first came from Adam (Rory’s Mate) Hayler another solid feller who scored with ease 0-46. The final score came from a lovely little chip over and chase from Webby just before full time, in fact the Ref blew up before the conversion kick (not seen that before!!)…….but Mawer kicked anyway 0-53.

Not an easy encounter for Kesteven who had not seen much rugby recently, but credit to them for sticking at the task despite Newark's killer performance.