The first team’s tough start to the season continued on Saturday at Kelham Road where Matlock proved too strong, winning by five tries to nil.

Injuries and availability meant Newark fielded a much-changed team from the one that played against Belgrave in the previous league game.

The changes included starts for two league debutants in wing Dan Woodward and scrum-half George Davey plus a return for Alex Scott at fly half.

Scott, back on holiday for a brief stay in Newark, was called up for George Leeson who badly injured a knee at Belgrave.

Overall, Newark defended manfully for good periods but were unable to withstand a stronger Matlock team to endure a fourth league defeat of the season so far.

Matlock had first use of a strong wind in a match refereed by Giorgio Passerini who was on an exchange trip from the Italian Federation.

The visitors quickly pinned Newark back in defence to set the tone for the afternoon.

A scrum to the Matlock right enabled their attacker to avoid a tackle and score in the right corner. The conversion was missed.

Newark came back well to exert pressure on the Matlock defence but failed to capitalise as scrums proved difficult against a stronger and heavier pack.

Newark conceded the first of a number of scrum penalties. Matlock took advantage of the wind and some indifferent tackling in midfield to cross for a second try which was converted.

Newark were then let off as a Matlock player crossed the try-line, only to lose the ball forward in contact.

Just prior to half time, Matlock were awarded a penalty close to the Newark line and were able to cross for a further converted score to put the visitors ahead by 17-0 up at the break.

At half-time, Newark switched Sam Hawkins to scrum half and brought on Nathan Leeson in the pack.

With the wind in their favour, Newark started positively but were soon penalised and Matlock crossed the try line from short range. The score was converted.

Smart handling by Matlock brought another converted try and the referee whistled for time.

Team v Matlock: Hawkins; Allen, Waqalevu, Walton, Woodward; Scott, Davey; Godfrey, Vinters, Wilson, Jackson, Robson, Churchill, Clayton, Brogden.
Subs: Syme-Nicholson, Nathan Leeson, Holmes.

Man of the match – back row Nate Churchill.

Next Saturday – away to Melbourne, kick off 3pm.