A TOUGH CUP TIE!

Saturday November 18

RFU Intermediate Cup – 4th rd Midlands Section

A strong finish from Newark failed to pull back a lead built by Earsldon in a tough Cup tie at the Coventry club.

It was an afternoon for the forwards and the two packs dominated a match which Earlsdon won thanks to a try around the hour mark.

That score and conversion put Earlsdon 16-3 clear but Newark found their attacking stride in the final quarter to work a try for wing Robbie Hunter-Shaw in the corner.

However, Earlsdon managed to defend for the final few minutes as Newark pressed for further scores.

Newark needed to have taken one or two earlier chances to put pressure on Earsldon who held the upper hand in the scrums.

That strength had started to show in a first half which saw Newark defend well for long periods only conceding two penalty goals.

Newark started the second half on the attack and a penalty from Max Chapple raised hopes five minutes into the half.

A cutting break from Buds Waqalevu could easily have brought a try but the chance was wasted and Earlsdon responded by grabbing a further penalty when Newark were trapped in defence.

The only try of the match came 10 minutes later when Earlsdon wrestled over after a concerted attack led by their forwards.

It proved to be the crucial score as Newark tried vainly to pull back the deficit over the last quarter.

Newark fielded a team showing five changes from the win over Nottingham Casuals including starts for wing Josh Watts and Jason Matthysz at lock.

Next up is a visit to Nottinghamshire rivals Southwell next Saturday, kick off 3pm (yes 3pm!).

Team v Earlsdon: Mackie; Watts, Waqalevu, Britten, Hunter-Shaw; Max Chapple (capt), Clark; Appleton, Coulam, Shiels, Bagga, Matthysz, Boyd, Spurr, Crosby.

Subs: Bartsch, Fotheringham, Jed Chapple.

Tries: Hunter-Shaw.

Penalty goal: Max Chapple.