An early try – in fortuitous circumstances

Newark started 2023 by allowing a lead to slip into a disappointing defeat at home to Belgrave at Kelham Road.

The Leicester team completed the double in league games between the teams by grabbing a late winning try.

Newark led 13-10 going into the final stages having failed to take their chances which allowed Belgrave to keep in the match.

An early try – in fortuitous circumstances – had given Newark the lead, Carson Hepi gaining the score ahead of Tom O’Leary and Alex Scott.

A penalty by Alex Scott increased the lead to 8-0 but, crucially, Newark missed out on further points in the final stages of the half.

Belgrave, having withstood that pressure, started the second half by grabbing an early converted try to show the match was not over.

Newark looked to have re-established superiority when Scott finished off near the hour mark, scrum-half James Tarbatt having started the attack backed up by captain Will Britten.

At 13-7, Newark continued on the attack but were pulled up for a forward pass and missed out from an attacking scrum.

Belgrave set up a tense finish by kicking a penalty and struck in the final stages after Newark had lock Jaymie Duncan sin-binned.

The winning try, like Newark’s opening score, came in the same corner and also came from a chip ahead.

Overall, Newark did not find the confident attacking play of the late autumn and lost a fifth match of the campaign by seven or fewer points.

Newark head for third-placed Leek next Saturday, kick off 2.15pm

Newark team v Belgrave: Scott; O’Leary, Britten (capt), Hepi, Edmed; Rolls-Paewai, Tarbatt; Ashton, Vinters, Chapple, Ellison, Duncan, Dodders, Dobson, Brogden.

Subs: Murray, Cook, Stamp.

Tries: Hepi, Scott.
Penalty goal: Scott.

Report from ROB WILDMAN