Newark U16s produced a performance every bit as sharp as the conditions, dismantling Market Rasen U16s with an emphatic 50–0 victory built on power, pace, and an unbreakable team ethic.

From the opening exchanges, it was clear Newark meant business.

With Abi anchoring the set-piece, the scrum immediately found traction, a familiar issue without her, but with Abi’s tireless work and technical strength, Newark consistently went forward, providing the platform on which the rest of the side could flourish.

The early momentum was converted into points through relentless forward carries. Matilda set the physical tone with bulldozing power runs, repeatedly punching holes in the defence and following it up with dominant tackling & 3 tries in the game.

Alongside her, Flo was uncompromising, delivering powerful, direct carries and savage defensive pressure that forced Market Rasen onto the back foot.

That pressure soon told. Jemima, combining power with genuine pace, repeatedly broke the line, scoring twice and calmly adding conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking. Her running was matched by her control from the tee, stretching the lead and sapping belief from the visitors.

Out wide, Newark’s were ruthless. Zara’s pace was a constant threat, her support lines excellent, and her breakdown work ensured quick ball. She crossed for two well-taken tries, each the result of sharp decision-making and pure speed.

Ellie added her own score with a trademark jinking run, stepping defenders with ease and backing it up with strong defensive pressure throughout the game.

The breakdown was an area of total dominance. Georgie was brutal in the tackle and devastating over the ball, her jackaling work turning defence into attack time and again.

Star and Molly quietly but effectively ensured Newark never lost momentum, hitting rucks relentlessly, securing possession, and doing the vital unsung work that allowed others to shine.

The second half saw Newark accelerate further. Scarlet, growing in confidence by the week, delivered a superb hat-trick, combining mazy footwork with powerful, “get out of my way” running that left defenders grasping at thin air.

Kacey, showing pace and intelligence both on the wing and in the back row, was rewarded with a try after excellent support play, while Layla finished neatly following sharp distribution from the ruck and intelligent positioning.

In midfield and wider channels, Lydia was a joy to watch, stepping left, stepping right, throwing dummies and gliding through space. At times, it felt less like age-group rugby and more like watching Serge Blanco in full flow. Kaja added another highlight, stepping both ways to take her try well and backing it up with strong defensive work.

Behind the gain line, Lulu and Ebony ensured continuity and aggression. Lulu carried hard from the sides of the rucks and secured the ball under pressure, while Ebony was outstanding all over the park, breaking tackles, making tackles, and hitting rucks with real intent in a relentless display.

Throughout it all, Newark’s support play was outstanding, a hallmark of a side playing for each other. That spirit was summed up off the pitch too, with Neve present to support the team despite being sidelined through injury, a true team player and a reflection of the culture within this group.

As the final whistle blew on a dry day that felt almost surreal, the scoreline told only part of the story. This was a complete team performance, powerful, skilful, and selfless. The pride in this group is clear, and while they are a joy to be around, the challenge now is to build on this standard.

They will be pushed hard because their potential is obvious and their goals are within reach.

A final word of thanks must go, as ever, to the parents; without their support, days like this simply wouldn’t be possible.

Newark U16s march on, and if this performance is anything to go by, I am looking forward to the last third of the season - Steve (coach).