The second half was a hard slog

I'm really not sure where to go with this one.

I have very mixed emotions going on as I expect all our boys do this Saturday evening.
The Guinness is starting to numb the aches and pains and the last 2 minutes of this game keep running through my mind as Mansfield nicked the points at the death, however I am delighted with how the team played today in difficult conditions, and with a bit more control at set plays we would have left with a positive scoreline.

A reshuffled pack saw Newark start with 5 back row, myself at 2nd row and Bartsch paying hooker. Phil Bolger started a second game at this level at prop. The backs had back row number 6 Weston Davies in the centres paired with winger Bridges (or are you a 10 Tom, I can't remember). Scott Crosby got a second start at 10.

Newark kicked off downhill but against the elements, the 1st 15 minutes, and Mansfield didn't get a sniff, they however defended well and Newark only had a penalty falling short that really could have broken the deadlock. After such a promising start Newark committed the cardinal sin of allowing Mansfield with their 1st venture into the Newark half to leave with 5 points. A silly penalty followed by poor tackling after some powerful running from Mansfield and the hard work had been undone.
Newark regrouped and immediately got back on level terms. Hawes ball carried into the Mansfield 22 and quick ball gave Wooldridge the opportunity to put the ball in behind the Mansfield backs, Tom Lee pounced and scored the try which early pressure had deserved.

5 minutes later and Primett was replaced by Sowerby Jones following a reoccurring knee injury. The forwards continued to pressure and Newark backs made good of the ball they got. Mansfield had now become a more dominant force and the game was an even battle. Late into the half and a penalty opportunity for Mansfield was slotted over. 8 - 5 half time.

The second half was a hard slog with both teams going hard at one another, mid way through and it looked like Newark had nicked the points, as Mansfield attacked, a loose pass found Crosby on his own 22 meter line, he broke and went all the way to score his 1st try for Newark and Wooldridge duly converted.

The game going into the dying minutes saw Newark under immense pressure in the scrum and struggling to win line out ball. Mansfield’s ability to turn over ball in the set piece meant defence was key and every Newark player did their part.
5 minutes to go and Mansfield were camped in the Newark 5 meter line, Tommy Homes took one for the team and was yellow carded after persistent infringements from the defence. A scrum was taken but after holding out for one, a second scrum was driven over for an unconverted try, 13 - 12,
Game over,
Gutted!!!

AJ

View the last published League table at the following link

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