Our first Inner warrior event.

A determined Newark team arrived at Stafford ready for the next step in their rugby journey. Bolstered by three Sutton Coldfield players we took to the pitch, firstly against Stafford.

Initially, it was the opposition who started strongest and created some good plays from the break down involving some powerful runs at our defence line. But our line held strong lead by a massively brave effort from Sophie to stop an inevitable try just short of the line.
Regrouping on the try line it was only a matter of time before Stafford scored and within the 10 minute mark they had the first points. 0-5 to Stafford.

From the restart, Newark meant business and took the ball forward with more power, pace and determination.
Off the scrum, the backs found some space and Holly weaved through a couple of Stafford players and raced away to the try line. 5-5 and a well-deserved try by Newark.

The second half was a much tighter affair with both teams finely balanced. However, Newark made improvements by attacking space with purpose and protecting the ball effectively in contact, but defence was the winner.

Stafford did have a chance to steel the victory late on in front the post, deciding to take a penalty kick. Fortunately for Newark it wasn’t successful.

A massive effort in the remaining minutes of the game saw Newark building and heading towards the opposition half; the forwards worked hard in their pods and looked strong. Sadly, we ran out of time and the final whistle blew; the game ending a draw.

Credit again to the women, coming from behind and never given in until that final whistle.

Final score 5-5

A quick turn around and we had Long Eaton up next.

This opposition came hard from the first kick, and this was a real wakeup call!
They scored quickly and we knew we had a game on our hands.

The Long Eaton team didn’t let up, using their more experienced players who’d come up from the age groups. But the Newark women kept their heads high and defended with increasing enthusiasm.
Over the game we slowed their progress significantly and learnt more about coming up together in a defensive line and working in pairs to take them down.
All the team fronted up so well, and at times drove the opposition back in the tackle.

The whole team gave their full commitment. Supporting each other in times of need on the pitch and are starting to gel together knowing they’re there for each other.
A determined performance kept the score line down and all came off the pitch proud of their efforts. Knowing they had been beaten by a better team on the day but determined to close the gap in training and with more experience of game time in the new year, next time could be closer.

Final score 32- 0