A narrow win for Southwell

The Magnus staged this 3rd team showdown which ended in a narrow win for Southwell to end Newark’s unbeaten start in the NLD Merit table.

Thanks to Will Syme for the match report

Southwell won the toss and commenced the game, benefiting from the downhill slope and wind advantage, while Newark fielded a youthful side including debutant Colts, Daniel Drabble, Alex Coultard, and Euan Fern.

Newark made an impressive start, with Harry Waterhouse's dynamic run swiftly recycled to find Budda Waqalevu - back from retirement, again – who capitalised on the opportunity to score the match's opening points, putting Newark ahead 5-0.

Despite Southwell's determined efforts to level the score, Newark's solid defence, exemplified by Nate Churchill's turnover on their own 5-metre line, thwarted their attempts. However, Southwell eventually broke through for a try and conversion, taking a narrow lead of 7-5.

The match remained tightly contested until a breakout play by Newark from their own 22-metre line, culminating in a try by Colts player Ben Marshall under the posts for his maiden senior score, converted by Harry Waterhouse, reinstating Newark's lead to 12-7.

Continuing their offensive onslaught, Newark's adept play saw Budda crossing the try line for his second score, with another successful conversion by Waterhouse, widening the gap to 19-7.

As half-time approached, Newark intensified their attack, resulting in Tom Lee's try after a determined effort by Waterhouse fell just short, with Waterhouse himself converting, extending Newark's lead to 26-7.

In the dying moments of the first half, Southwell mounted a spirited comeback, scoring a try and conversion, narrowing the deficit to 26-14.

In the second half, despite Newark kicking off with the wind and downhill advantage, it was Southwell who struck first, closing the gap to 26-21 with a try and conversion.

The teams remained evenly matched, with Newark dominating possession and territory in the Southwell half. However, despite sustained pressure, Newark's inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, compounded by minor errors and a held-up try, proved costly.

Against the run of play, Southwell seized momentum and secured the decisive points of the game, narrowly edging out Newark in a closely contested match, with a final score of 28-26.

Despite their first loss in the League, Newark remain top and travel to Bingham for a friendly next Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.