The 1st team squad enjoyed a bright first-half spell against Walsall but ultimately slipped to a further defeat in a disappointing display after the interval.

A try by wing Dan Woodward – running onto a delicate chip forward by scrum-half Elliott Paley – lifted home hopes after Walsall had taken an early 10-0 lead.

That try prompted more good attacking rugby which should have brought at least one more try which would have put Newark firmly back into the match.

However, that pressure did not bring any more points and Walsall added a further try to lead 17-5 at the interval.

Newark started the second half firmly and a penalty from Sam Hawkins cut the gap by three points just after the interval.

Hopes of a Newark comeback like the ones staged in recent games failed to materialise and Walsall eased to a comfortable win by five tries to one.

The squad now has a week off due to the league scheduling and travel to Paviors on Saturday week (22 November) for a Nottinghamshire derby that is between the two bottom teams in the league.

Injuries and availability of players hindered preparation for the Walsall match and the starting team had to be reshuffled.

The highlight in a tough weekend for senior teams was a Friday night win for the colts against Paviors in a Notts, Lincs & Derbys Cup match.

The colts dominated the last 20 minutes of the tie and ended up winning 20-12 after been 12-0 down.

Tries came from Griff James, Elliot Ball and George Clifford. Ben Doubell kicked a conversion and penalty.

The colts next Sunday are away to Aireborough near Leeds for a third-round tie in the National Colts Cup, kick off 1.30pm.

The 2nd Xv and women’s squad both had tough away matches, losing at Ollerton and Mansfield respectively.

Team v Walsall: Godfrey, N Leeson, Wilson, Hudson, Jackson, O’Leary, Clayton, Brogden; Paley, Catley, Holmes, Churchill, Walton, Woodward, Hawkins. Subs: Syme-Nicholson, North, Denning.
Try: Woodward. Penalty: Hawkins.