Newark secure 2nd away win of the season

On a chilly and drizzly afternoon at Nuneaton Old Edwardians, it was the home team that started the stronger.
After a series of lineout drives near the Newark line, which Newark repulsed successfully, Nuneaton opened the scoring after almost 20 mins with a penalty in front of the posts.

Newark were struggling a little with the slippery conditions but opened their scoring after 30 mins with a well taken try from Sam Dobson following a dominant scrum.

Just before half time Newark moved further ahead. After a good line out Newark moved the ball quickly for captain Will Britten to touch down near the corner.

Newark moved further ahead shortly after the break when following another good line out, Scott’s dextrous skills put Jed Chapple over for his 2nd try in 2 weeks, converted by Alex Scott.

Newark’s scrum was becoming increasingly dominant, winning a couple of opposition put ins as well as attracting penalties when going forward.
Following one of these dominant scrums, good hands among the backs gave Scott a stroll in near the posts after 60 mins, which he duly converted to make it 24-3.

The last 20 minutes was a little frustrating for Newark as they were unable to add to the score, despite a couple of line out steals and a continuing strong scrum.
Successive 5 yards scrums at the very end of the match were unfortunate not to yield a penalty try but full credit to Nuneaton who kept competing to the very end.

Newark can take a large number of positives from this overall excellent team performance.
The aggressive defence throughout the team prevented Nuneaton scoring a try, the lineout functioned well all day, the scrum was totally dominant and all the players ‘off the bench’ made notable contributions.

The win lifted Newark 2 places in the league, putting the team and supporters in good spirits for next week’s sell out Christmas lunch prior to our match with Oadby Wyggestonians , who narrowly beat us in Sept.

Team versus Nuneaton OE: Scott; O’Leary, Britten, Walton, Edmed; Rolls-Paewai, O’Dell; White, Godfrey, Chapple, Duncan, Hilliam-Cooke, Dodders, Dobson, Brogden.
Subs: Vinters, Stamp, Bagga.
Tries: Dobson, Britten, Chapple, Scott.
Conversions: Scott (2).

Next Saturday: home to Oadby Wyggs, kick off 2.15pm. All welcome.

Report from Alan Swain