Last-gasp score denies first team victory at Melbourne

Newark’s uplifting recent form continued at Melbourne where only a last-ditch try and conversion rescued the home team from defeat.

It was a tough finale for the travelling gang who had dominated the match after Melbourne had looked to bulldoze their way to victory in the opening 20 minutes.

That opening assault brought Melbourne a 7-0 lead which triggered Newark into continuing the attacking ways of recent weeks which has seen an upturn in results.

Inspired by the darting runs of fly half Potene Rolls-Paewai, Newark struck back via some neat linked play to work a try for front-rower Josh White who clung onto a pass from Tom O’Leary.

Alex Scott converted to level the scores and another break by Rolls-Paewai just before half-time ended in the Melbourne defence desperately holding up the fly half on the line.

Newark continued on the attack straight after the interval and almost scored in the opening minute.

Wing Scott Edmed was a constant menace on the left and his burst almost brought a try for Rolls-Paewai but for a forward pass.

Newark’s strong play finally earned points six minutes into the half when, again, crisp handling finished in No 8 James Brogden going over for a try converted by Scott. O’Leary, a powerful force in the loose throughout, had another hand in the attack.

Good defence was another feature of Newark’s performance and that was needed in the final 20 minutes.
However, Newark also had more opportunities including Scott just failing to land a penalty.
Newark needed a further score but, after another attack broke down, Melbourne gained their best period of pressure since the opening stages.

A series of scrums and penalties ended in the home team forcing their way over for a second try which was converted.

It was a tough finish for Newark who had ended up defending in the manner they had started the match.

Newark’s improving form – three wins and a draw in the last five games – has featured some excellent attacking rugby backed up by an all-round effort to improve defence and set piece.

The only downside to Saturday’s display was injury to wing Ed Armstrong who started his first league game in the absence of the ill Josh Ashe.
Armstrong suffered an ankle injury when trapped in a tackle. He hobbled off to give No 8 Brogden to finish his afternoon in midfield.

Newark’s next league match is Saturday week (Nov 26) at home to Moseley Oak, kick off 2.15pm at Kelham Road. There are no scheduled league games next weekend.

Team: Scott; Armstrong, Britten (capt), Walton, Edmed; Rolls-Paewai, Tarbatt; Ashton, White, Murray, Duggan, Ellison, O’Leary, Dobson, Brogden.
Subs: Godfrey, Hilliam-Cooke, Dodders.
Tries: White, Brogden.
Conversions: Scott (2).