Loughborough’s expected firework display dampened by Newark’s resolve courage and sound resistance plus the introduction of a Fijian Fire Cracker.

Late injuries and unavailability reduced Newarks numbers and options in what was to turn out to be a much tougher encounter than the previous two matches betwean the clubs when Newark had finished with good wins at home.

It was apparent from the start that this was a much changed Loughborough 22 plus, and as the 1st team did not have a fixture it had been viewed as an opportunity for them to see some of their up and coming 2nds play with their 1sts.

Nevertheless, Newark showed they were up to the challenge, although they started stutteringly and went 7 points behind after 4 minutes following a fast and furious running attack that broke through Newark’s indifferent defence that resulted in a score under the uprights.

A determined Newark restarted and 6 minutes later superior scrimmaging, a touch of magic in a training ground worked move orchestrated by Miller, saw O’Leary score a debut try for Newark 2nds. The conversion failed leaving the score at 7 – 5.

Loughborough immediately retaliated with a fast and polished handling movement that was defended valiantly by Newark, but even so, the attack stretched the defence and their wing threaten to break lear but he was felled by a superbly executed tackle by Overland.

After 20 minutes the Loughborough pressure did pay off and they scored a second try to make take them further into the lead, 12 – 5.

A further 10 minutes of tough rugby ensued and Newark fought themselves deep into enemy territory and a good attacking move was halted by a knock on. From the resultant scrum about 15 meters out, Gilchrist took one against the head and the forwards drove and stacked and Hodnett crossed the Loughborough line, 12 – 10.

Loughborough attacking down the slope charged forward after the restart and won a penalty that they kicked to take the score to 15 – 10 at half time.

The second half was a fierce contested as the conditions became darker, colder and the pitch started to rip up. Newark were however looking the stronger side and were keeping Loughborough pinned back in their own half. Loughborough mustered a strong attack after 15 minutes into the 2nd half but could not take their chances as stout hearts and strong defence thwarted their drives on the Newark line and they had to be content with a penalty to take the score to 18 – 10.

Newark roared back and every man played as if their lives depended on them scoring to redress the balance. Rogi Saini ( Mocevakacia Saini) our new Fijian, selected after recommendations from the 3rds, tackled so hard that it caused the spectators to feel winded. He also made some devastatingly strong breaks shrugging off tackles as a charging rhino would deal with a pride of lions.

Loughborough never looked like scoring again and although Newark pressed hard after a penalty kick took them into within 5 meters of Loughborough’s line and Mat Cove delivered a point perfect throw to ensure a good catch and drive, it was Loughborough who girded their loins and kept out Newark’s forward charges.

A further penalty was conceded by Loughborough, Newark opted to kick but it failed. Although Newark were on the losing end of the game at
18 points to 10, Newark came out of the fray as worthy foes. Pride intact and ensuring Loughborough did not achieve the decisive moral boosting victory they intended, by fielding a predominantly 1st team that are playing a league above our 1st team. Every player in Newark’s team played a part in this fine moral victory. Extra coherence that could be achieved by more players attending training; with better place kicking, would have turned a narrow defeat into a storming win.

Team : Pick, Gilchrist, Cove, AJ, McCarthy, Hodnett, Naylor, Fotheringham, Fisher, Overland, Miller, Saini, Bridges, Burton Waring, O’Leary, Byrom, Gamage, Tinsley.