MATCH REPORT – BY MARTYN LLEWELLYN-SMITH

No yellow cards! the cleanest game remembered between the clubs? The hangover of England’s defeat and exit from the World Cup obviously had a profound effect on the players and even the penalty tally for both sides was low. Mark Staines’ leadership of Newark was exemplary and his influence ensured Newark were disciplined and maintained momentum even though they got off to a stuttering start with Mansfield pressing the Newark line in the early stages. Against the run of play and pressure being exerted by the visitors, Newark broke out and took the game into the Mansfield half and managed to deliver the ball to Rhys Overland on the wing to score a fine try 10 meters in from the left touch line. This made up for some handling errors experienced earlier due to the murky wet conditions. Against the wind Matt Woolridge was unable to add the extra points. A dour contest ensued and both sides went into the break with Newark leading 5-0.
The 2nd half was much the same as the first, Tom Bridges at Fly half was steadily controlling his backs and any threat the Mansfield 3/4s may have presented was steadily snubbed out with good tackling and cover support from the back row. The Mansfield front row asked questions of Newark’s front 3 but splendid performances by the 2 Duncs, Dawson and Coote supported by hard fought resistance from Craig Barnsdale and Joe Tinsley kept us competing in the tight. Slowly Newark’s pressure and indefatigable will to win won its reward with lock and Captain, Mark Staines sealing an excellent personal performance by himself and a creditable team win with a try that was converted by Matt Woolridrige following a medley of Newark attacks. It was not a push over try, but another Staines flyer, he sprinted in from around 20 meters on the end of a good passage of handling that created an overlap and huge holes in the Mansfield defence. All players were used and all made a significant contribution to this second pennant victory of the season. It’s always good to win, against Mansfield, its better. Hard luck England, 4 years to rebuild and hopefully English support will turn to the only British Club left in the World Cup, Cymru am Beth!

Team: Coote Tinsley Barnsdale/Dawson Hodnett/McCarthy Staines (Capt) Naylor Bartch /Price /Fotheringham Woolridge Bridges Overland Burton-Waring Collishall Coalridge Palmer
I apologise to the new guys if I have your names wrong but welcome, your efforts were much appreciated.