NEWARK RECOVERED FROM A SLOW START

REPORT WRITTEN BY ROB WILDMAN

Saturday February 25

Notts Cup semi-final

Poor concentration cost Newark hope of success in a Cup game which produced nine tries – Bridgford edging to victory by five tries to four.

Newark recovered from a slow start to have a good chance of progressing when the tie had Bridgford leading 27-24 going into the final quarter.

However, Newark failed to maintain the pressure which had brought a revival early in the second half after Bridgford led 27-12.

A penalty try, following a spell of forward pressure, plus a score from wing Chaz Dixon put Newark within three points before Bridgford managed to scramble a final try which maintained their advantage.

Overall, Newark paid for playing in bursts and failing to maintain pressure. They allowed Bridgford too many easy scores from the opening spell when the hosts sped into a 10-0 lead through a converted try and penalty.

Newark showed what they were capable of when Gareth Bartsch, in a new role of hooker, forced his way over to reduce the deficit.

Bridgford then capitalised on more lax play by Newark to score two more tries before flanker Ed Poulson grabbed a loose ball to make the half-time score 22-12, Alex Scott adding the conversion.

Newark made another slow start to the second period and Bridgford looked safe at 27-12 when scampering over for a fifth try.

However, helped by the conditions, Newark played their best rugby for the next 20 minutes which brought two tries and hope to supporters.

Bridgford finished the stronger and will play either Paviors or Southwell in the final at the end of the season.

Newark continue their league campaign next Saturday at home to Spalding, kick off 3pm. Spring is round the corner…

Team v Bridgford: Hunter-Shaw; Charles, Tate, Birch, Dixon; Scott, Chapple; Dunning, Bartsch, Barnsdale, Statham, Bagga, Poulson, Riley, Garland (capt).

Subs: Webster, Clark, Hempstead.

Tries: Bartsch, Poulson, pen try, Dixon.
Conversions: Scott (2).