Chester defence resolute in Colts National Cup

The Newark Colts embarked on an early start for the National Colt Cup's last 16 match, with a bus trip over to Chester to compete against their Senior Colts on a 4G pitch.
Newark kicked off and started brightly, prompting an early lineout in the Chester 22. However, they struggled to capitalise on the territory due to Chester's swift defence on the fast surface. Chester seized the initiative following an excellent 50-22 kick resulting in the first score off the resulting lineout and several phases of play on the Newark line, Chester leading 7-0.
Despite this setback, Newark maintained all the pressure in the Chester half, with the opposing Colts vigorously defending. Newark's efforts paid off with a penalty in front of the posts, confidently converted by Oscar M, narrowing the score to 7-3.

It became evident that the game would be decided by slim margins between two evenly matched teams. Newark persisted, as our forwards dominated in scrums and lineouts, earning another penalty converted by Oscar M, bringing the score to 7-6.

In response, following the resulting kick off, Chester ventured into Newark's 22, securing a penalty, and converting it to lead 10-6 as the half approached its end. A soft penalty from a Chester error, converted by Oscar M, brought Newark closer at 10-9.

The final few minutes of the first half would prove extremely costly for Newark, through a combination of strong running and interplay the Chester backs carved out two quick tries and conversions, ending the half with a score of 24-9 and a mountain to climb for Newark to get back into this tightly contested game.

The second half began with increased intensity as the wind picked up, and cold sleety rain changed the mood of the game. Newark desperately tried to level with their hosts, dominating possession and played the entirety of the remaining time in Chester's half, however through a combination of unforced errors and resolute Chester defence we struggled to respond the two Chester tries at the end of the first half.
Only at the 60-minute mark did Newark manage to cross the Chester line, courtesy of a powerful run down the wing from Henry A, securing the final points of the game. Two disallowed tries, firstly after a sustained period of pressure on Chester 5 meter line, Paddy picked up and powered through the ruck only for the ref to decide it was held up and awarded a penalty for indiscipline and then following another penalty just inside Chester's 22, Oscar W quick thinking “tap and go” try was brought back by the ref for not being from the mark!

Despite Newark's sustained pressure, the score line remained unchanged. The National Cup adventure for the Newark Colts concluded for another season, it certainly felt like an opportunity missed for our strong squad of players but you couldn't fault the lads efforts, commitment and determination with Chester advancing to the final eight of the competition.

Many thanks extended to the hosts and match officials, with best wishes to Chester in the quarter finals.

A local home derby game against the Redmen of Southwell next weekend for the lads to look forward to.