A final penalty sealed a competitive match

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

RFU Intermediate Cup 1st rd

Stamford 32 Newark 29

A penalty goal in the last minute left Newark to endure a narrow defeat in a hectic Cup tie at windy Stamford.

This first-round Intermediate Cup game looked to be heading for extra time after both teams had scored five tries each.

However, a high tackle conceded a penalty to Stamford some 35 metres out and the home kicker used a strong wind to add the winning points.

Newark had fought back in the last quarter to level after Stamford had led 29-19 going into the last 15 minutes.
Some concerted Newark pressure brought tries for backs Chris Tate and Max Chapple but the disciplined play was ultimately spoiled by errors which allowed Stamford the final say.

Newark turned round 7-10 down after a first half where they had first use of the strong wind. Despite a good start, which almost brought a try for Matt Clark, Stamford scored first after some strong running from their midfield backs.

An excellent try from Tom Mawer lifted visiting spirits and the full-back confidently added the conversion.

Stamford rallied for a second try to lead at half-time. Newark found playing into the conditions easier and an early try after the interval – hooker Ian Tomlinson finishing off a strong drive – was converted by Mawer.

After this score the match took off in entertainment value as the teams traded a try each in quick succession, Matt Clark touching down for Newark.

Stamford looked to have secured victory when they scored twice in close succession to lead 29-19.
However, Newark produced their best rugby of the game to fightback before that final penalty sealed a competitive match for the home team.

It was disappointing outcome after a much better performance than in the previous week’s defeat at Matlock.

A much-changed team, led by Matt Clark in the absence of injured Tom Coen and Lewis Cove, produced some good periods of play especially up front where the front row was always strong.

Next up is a home league game next Saturday (Oct 1) against Melbourne, kick off 3pm.

Team: Tom Mawer; Billy Charles, Kent Birch, Dan Padgett, Chris Tate; Matt Clark, Max Chapple; Rob Dunning, Ian Tomlinson, James Price, Mikey Boyd, Jaymie Duncan, Ben Huddlestone, Gareth Bartsch, Neil Clark.

Subs: Jordan Hempstead, David Fotheringham, Dan Mackie.

Tries: Mawer, Tomlinson, Clark, Tate, Chapple.

Conversions: Mawer (2).

Score progression: 0-5 Stamford try, 7-5 Newark try & con Mawer, 7-10 Stamford try. HT.

Second half: 14-10 Newark try Tomlinson, con Mawer, 14-15 Stamford try, 19-15 Clark try, 19-22 Stamford try & con, 19-29 Stamford try & con, 24-29 Newark try tate, 29-29 Newark try Chapple, 29-32 Stamford pen.