NEWARK SCRUMETTES HOLD THEIR OWN

After their brave debut just nine short weeks ago, a cold and very muddy January day saw Newark’s 1st XV Women hosting their entrance into competitive rugby in the Allianz Inner Warrior Series, with a round robin event against Belper, Market Bosworth and Long Eaton.
The Inner Warrior league is the first step to playing organised regular rugby in the Women's game, and Newark did not look out of place despite their relative inexperience.

In keeping with the weather in recent weeks, the drizzle started just before kick off in Newark’s first match against Belper.
Newark got off to a strong start, keeping possession despite some challenging tackles from the other side. The first 10 minutes of the game seemed equally matched with neither side able to quite break through.
However, the rain began to ease just as Newark found some space in Belper’s line and Sophie O was able to take the ball over the line.
A strong kick from Ella fell just short of the posts.

Newark were able to hold Belper’s advance off for another 10 minutes, but the more experienced team made quick use of the ball following their scrums, and secured two tries in the last 5 minutes of the game.

Next up was Market Bosworth. With no experience against this team who had arrived with just 13 players, Newark were not sure what to expect.
Buoyed by their performance in the first game they started with pace and energy, despite the loan of a winger to the opposition.
The dryer conditions made this game a more enjoyable watch for the gathered crowd, but spirits were dampened slightly when Newark’s loaned player took a ball at pace and ran it down the line and neatly behind the posts, scoring Market Bosworth’s first and only try of the match. Easily converted, this was the only score on the board.

The rest of the match played out with Newark showing some real skill in the lineouts, and good use of the faster pace in the wings.

The final match of the day was against Long Eaton – an apprehensive challenge for Newark who were beaten by them in December 35-0.

A much more experienced team by some years, with numerous subs available, Long Eaton were certainly the favourites going into the final 25 minutes of play.

Once again, Newark were ready to start strong, and made some excellent tackles despite the tired legs beginning to show.
Play stopped for an injury and substitution, and Long Eaton were the quicker side to regroup, with Newark responding well delivering a great defence and holding Long Eaton back repeatedly, despite the opposition advancing slowly toward the try line.
However, Newark were unable to hold them off for long and a short run into space found a try for Long Eaton, which they could not convert.

With the ball once again in Newark’s possession, Emily (c) showed some great reading of the game and a handful of well-placed kicks pushed Long Eaton back into their own half.

The Scrumettes regrouped effectively, getting the ball once again into Sophie O’s hands whose strong run through the line delivered the final try of the game.

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For a team with only two playing days under their belt, Newark Scrumettes looked every bit the structured and capable team.
The progression seen over the last nine weeks should give the whole of Newark RUFC reason to be proud, and to expect some fantastic women’s rugby to be played over the remainder of the season.

The Scrumettes next match is on the 4th February, away at Belper RFC.