One final try capped off a tremendous afternoon

Newark produced their best performance of the season so far to march into the next round of this national competition.

On a foggy afternoon, Newark combined the power of a good pack display to chalk up six tries – five coming from the backs in two each for wings Rhys Overland and Billy Charles plus one by centre Aloesi Waqalevu.

Newark’s other try came from flanker Josh Stamp and kicker Alex O’Dell landed five conversions.

Newark are now in the semi-finals of the Midlands section with the next round due to be played on Jan 18.

Newark return to league action next Saturday at Matlock, kick off 2.15pm.

1st XV report from playing chairman Tim Barker

Newark started very strongly against a big Stafford pack. The first scrum inside 5 minutes proved pivotal as Newark pushed the visitors back 10 metres.

We kept the pressure on and forced a penalty and Stafford could not get out of their 22. After 12 minutes the pressure began to tell and the home side pushed Stafford back and disrupted their ball and Josh Stamp was on hand to touch down. Alex O’Dell converted for his first of the day which proved to be an exemplary kicking performance.

The home pack continued to dominate aided by incisive running from the centres. It paid off after 20 minutes when returning winger Billy Charles went over in the corner for his first. O’Dell converted from wide out to give the home side a deserved 14-0 lead.

The lead was extended when Newark pressure forced Stafford to concede a penalty. A strong drive from the resulting line out allowed the ball to be shipped wide for Rhys Overland to beat two defenders and touch down in the corner. Again, O’Dell converted to give an impressive 21-0 at half- time.

With the fog closing in and visibility deteriorating Stafford started the second half with much more purpose and were rewarded with a try after 5 minutes which was converted.

There was very much of a feeling that the next score was going to prove decisive to the outcome of the game. Newark again exerted huge pressure on the visitors pack and disrupted their ball.

Number 8 Jon Webster picked and fed O’Dell who put an inch perfect kick through for Overland to race through and touch down in the corner. O’Dell converted to make the score 28-7.

Stafford were not finished, however, and they gained some territory which led to a neat cross field kick which was collected on the full by their winger who went over in the corner to make it 28-12 and keep the visitors just about in touch.

Newark were not about to give this one up though and another strong run from full-back Toby Taylor set up a good position.

Fly half Will Britten broke through, fed Taylor who put Charles in the corner for his second. O’Dell converted from the touch line to cap an excellent kicking display and Newark led 35-12.

One final try from Aloesi Waqalevu capped off a tremendous afternoon in the gathering gloom and saw Newark head into the next round – the semi-finals of the Midlands section with an impressive 40-12 victory.

Team: Taylor; Overland, Vinakasa, Waqalevu, Charles; Britten (capt), O’Dell; Appleton, Quinlan, Hempstead, Ellison, Poulson, Duncan, Stamp, Webster.

Subs: Bartsch, Garland, Booth.

Tries: Stamp, Charles (2), Overland (2), Waqalevu.

Conversions: O’Dell 5.