Newark beaten at new venue

Newark visited Leek for what was believed to be first time in their history. The hosts were very welcoming (off the pitch) and the conditions were surprisingly good underfoot, considering the recent weather. There was strong local and vocal support.

The match started evenly with Newark having an opportunity to open the scoring after 3 minutes but, sadly, the penalty attempt sailed wide.

The game was going from end to end but after some good attacking Newark play Leek opened the scoring with a penalty after 12 mins.

Newark were scrummaging well, earned a penalty but unfortunately lost the ensuing 5 meter line out. However, 2 mins later, Newark won a line out near the Leek line from which the fly half, Potine, dummied his way through for a try under the posts, converted by Scott.

Leek then exerted a deal of pressure on the Newark defence through a succession of strong drives near the line, eventually resulting in a converted try after 25 mins, making the score Leek 10- Newark 7.

Leek continued the pressure mostly through their forwards, resulting in another converted try after 35 mins, making in 17-7 to the hosts, with Newark being given a yellow card for persistent offside.

Newark continued to attack and looked dangerous at times. However, nearing half time, Leek scored their 3rd converted try, somewhat against the run of play, following a wayward kick that left the Newark defence exposed.

Newark responded immediately. From a line out 12 yds from the Leek line, Newark secured excellent ball and formed a powerful maul resulting in JD touching down for an unconverted try, making it 24-12 at half time.

The game was evenly matched, with the next score always going to be critical. Newark’s set piece work in both the line outs and scrum was very solid, and certainly frustrated Leek. Newark seemed certain to score a decisive try, but were blown up for a forward pass.

Leek’s back 3 defenders were a constant handful, always threatening to break through. Following another Newark yellow card, the 2nd half deadlock was eventually broken when Leek scored their 4th try after 65 mins.

A promising move by Newark was called back by the somewhat over zealous referee, resulting in Newark’s 3 yellow card. Leek were pressing hard and seemed certain to score, but ‘Dobbo’ produced a superb covering tackle, successfully holding the ball up over the line.

Newark were then reduced to 13 men when another dubious yellow card was awarded. Eventually the defensive wall was breached, with Leek scoring their 5th converted try on the stroke of full time.

The final scoreline somewhat flattered Leek and Newark can take lots of positives from the performance. Mention must go to the Leek kicker who put in an immaculate display.

Next week Newark face Leicester Forest who pulled off the surprise result of the weekend by beating table toppers Long Eaton.

Report from ALAN SWAIN