Good pack display brings victory

MATCH REPORT
BY MARTYN LLEWELLYN-SMITH

Mansfield looked confident of avenging their loss to Newark at Kelham Road earlier in the season. However, they were soon to find that Newark’s much changed 2nds side; depleted after losing several regulars to the 1sts, but seeing the welcome return of Tom Bridges in the centre and Reece Hodnett at open side, are not a push over, no matter who or where they are playing.
With Mansfield 1st Team playing on the adjacent pitch, Newark exerted strong pressure from the start, immediately taking the initiative and full advantage of the slope to play deep in Mansfield’s half.
Jamie Sizer at 9 threatened with sniping runs and after 9 minutes, Newark cut loose, versatile Rhys Overland, playing on the wing, showed how dangerous a finisher he is by scoring in the corner after great forward dominance delivered quick ball to the backs that drew first blood to Newark.
Mansfield 0 – Newark 5.
Hodnett created the second score out of nothing, spoiling in a maul he ripped the ball free and broke away chipping the ball ahead, he outstripped the defence collected the ball and passed to Tom Bridges who scored under the bar. Mark Miller added the extras.

Mansfield 0 - Newark 12.

Bridges decided it was his turn to show his quality and pace when, after a period of sustained Mansfield pressure, he broke out of Newark’s 22 with a “show and go”. His pace and suprising power from such a slight frame, outstripped the Mansfield defence, his scorching 40 metre run, found Mark Staines in support, Bridges passed to Staines who took the ball on at speed, but the cover defence managed to take him down, he off loaded smartly but unfortunately the perfect pass went to a Mansfield player; as they too were wearing blue and white. Note to the committee; can we have a second coloured strip please? Pink has been suggested, like Cardiff and some Rugby League side. (And some glasses for Stainesey). A try thwarted and Newark were driven back into their own half by a resurgent Mansfield. The Newark blue and whites, very muddy, from the heavy pitch in dank wintery conditions, defended strongly and took all that a determined Mansfield could throw at them.

Newark turned the tables in the second half when Hodnett added his try. Mansfield aimed a long ball to the end of a lineout and Hodnett snatched the opportunity with both hands, pumping adrenalin, his legs covered the metres to the line like a leopard after an antelope and after brushing two defenders aside he took another two over the line as they frantically tried to stop the powerful flanker's charge. Miller converted. 0 - 19.
Millers kicking, was good through-out, both out of hand and off the tee, his strong running and BOSH at 10 helped to knock the wind out of Mansfield’s defence. Further strong attacking play from Newark was rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts which Miller stroked over to put the visitors ahead by 22 points to nil.
In the last ten minutes a rampant Newark added a final try, putting the ball into the hands of hard working Stark, who showed his strength and pace to cross the line in the corner sealing a fine 27-0 victory in this hard fought contest. The forwards were outstanding and the togetherness of the whole team and their respect and willingness to work for each other was the key to this victory.
A special word for Dunc Dawson who had a huge game at tight head against a tricky opponent. Whilst ensuring our stability in the front row he had twisted and damaged his knee ligaments and is now in a splint awaiting a review of the damage after the swelling recedes. We wish our faithful “Pillar” a swift recovery.

Team: D Dawson, M Cove/T Gilchrist, A Jackson (Capt), M Staines, S McCartney/ B McCarthy, G Bartch, R Hodnett, D Fothringham, J Sizer, M Miller, R Overland, T O’Leary, T Bridges, J Stark, R Byrom.