After the cancellation of Round 1 in January because of frozen pitches, this Sunday was much more pleasant to play. Our first game was against a Loughborough side being helped out by Leek and Langton. We had a good number and were confident after good trainings sessions leading in to the day. Once kicked off we were more than holding our own, advancing down the pitch going through phases. Unfortunately, an interception inside the 22 meant for a breakaway and we couldn’t quite get back to stop the try. However, the girls were up for the challenge and were straight back into the oppositions half. We scored tries from our running rugby utilising our pace and handling, we were very much in the game. Loughborough only really scored from breakaway moments in the game, we had applied pressure and imposed our style on the game. So, after leading for most of the game, Loughborough again sneaked through our defence and scored to make it 20-22 with a conversion to tie the game, it was missed and we won the match, the right result as I felt we played the better rugby.
A quick fifteen minute break in between and we were out again on the adjacent pitch against ‘Long Steven’ a cluster between Long Eaton and Kesteven. They only had 11 so we held some players off as subs and rotated the team around to give everyone a rest. We started brightly and scored lots of tries, again showcasing our running rugby and teamwork. Due to the rotation of the team I think we lost a little direction and let our opposition back in to the game and they scored some tries. It made for a good spirited game and we came out on top in the end.

The best team performance of the season so far by the girls, showing a lot of skill and guile.

Loughborough 20 – Newark 22
Long Steven 14 – Newark 31

Written by Mark Gill
Checked by Neil Chrispin