The 1sts gained two bonus points on a trip to the West Midlands, but they were hit by injuries and a second-half comeback from the home team who won by five tries to four.

A good first half, playing with the conditions, brought three tries and a half-time lead of 21-7. However, injuries to Olly Dodders and Ovi Gilder left the team fighting an uphill battle in the second half.

Gilder, who scored two tries before going off, started at full-back in a team including another newcomer from the colts squad in Lenny Coen, who scored on his debut, and a further appearance for Evan Marshall at centre.

The narrow defeat continues some close calls in recent weeks bringing victory over Stoke at Kelham Road last week following on from another agonising loss at Melbourne.

The squad now takes a break next weekend and will regroup before facing Walsall at Kelham Road on Saturday 8 November, at the earlier winter kick off 2.15pm.

Here President Andrew Fearn takes us through a windy afternoon at Water Orton.

Newark kicked off at Old Salteians with a strong cold wind at their backs and with a late change to the line up; debutant, Lenny Coen, replacing the injured Sam Hawkins.

Although Newark set off positively, OS drew first blood when clever handling in the backs enabled their centre to slice through the defence for a try which was promptly converted.

Newark fought back with the scrum showing up well against heavier opposition and earning two penalties in midfield. Newark fortunes dipped again when back-rower, Olly Dodders, was forced off with a knee injury. He was replaced by Nate Churchill.

On their left, Newark pounced on a loose ball to set Coen free to score his debut try. The conversion was successfully kicked by debutant kicker, Ovi Gilder.

Newark were suddenly level and Gilder struck again with a try following a powerful run. He converted his own try to put Newark ahead 7-14.

Newark continued to press and sharp handling in the backs released Gilder for his second try, this time from short range. Unfortunately he was injured in the process and he was to leave the field shortly afterwards, being replaced by Nathan Leeson.

The try was well converted from out wide by Tom O'Leary. Suddenly Newark had a lead of 7-21; a score that had looked unlikely in the first 10 minutes and this was carried through to half time.

Despite playing into the strong wind, Newark started brightly but the home side soon turned the tables, setting their right winger free to score under the posts. The try was converted.

Newark fought back and a strong run by Haydn Godfrey enabled Josh Waqalevu to dot the ball down for a try but the conversion was missed.

The game flowed from end to end and a kick through by OS was caught by their winger who scored the try which was converted to leave the score 2i-26.

Insult was added to injury when an OS player intercepted a pass in the Newark backs and only had to run in to score a try which was easily converted.

It left OS ahead by 28-26 and Newark then pressed hard for a score. OS defended well and Newark were unable to capitalise on their pressure.

OS won a penalty in midfield and put the kick into the right corner for a line out. The ball was won and Newark were unable to halt the rolling maul crossing for the try which sealed the match. 33-26 was the final score.

Newark came away from the game with two bonus points but will look back at a match which, on another day, might have been won.

Certainly, this and will give much encouragement.

Newark team: Gilder; Holmes, Marshall, Waqalevu, Coen; Catley, Walton; Godfrey, Vinters, Wilson, Robson, Jackson, O’Leary, Dodders, Brogden. Subs: Syme-Nicholson, N Leeson, Churchil.
Tries: Coen, Gilder (2), Waqalevu. Conversions: Gilder (2), O’Leary.
Next match – Saturday 8 November: home to Walsall, kick off 2.15pm.