A late penalty goal from full-back Sam Hawkins gained a deserved bonus point from a dogged effort in the mud at Nottinghamshire rivals Paviors.

A positive start had earned Newark plenty of territory and possession which should have produced some reward up to half-time.

However, the teams turned round at 0-0 and Paviors changed tact in the second half to use their greater power up front which gained them two tries from moves off scrums close to the Newark line.

Newark fought back to force a late penalty chance which Hawkins, who had pushed one attempt wide in the first half, landed to bring that losing bonus point.

Inspired by the bustling work of Sean Denning in the back row, Newark took on the bigger Paviors pack especially in the first half when the visitors played the rugby.

Injuries also took a toll with centre Noah Catley forced off early on followed by flanker James Brogden towards half-time.

It was good to see Newark graduates from the colts all showing up well led by eager scrum-half Elliot Paley, centre Joshie Waqalevu and substitute forward Oscar Wilby, home from uni.

Next up is a home match against Ilkeston next Saturday (29 November) kick off 2.15pm. There will be plenty of support as it’s a full house for the pre-match lunch – Come on Newark…

Newark Team: Hawkins; Churchill, Waqalevu, Catley, Woodward; Walton (capt), Paley; Godfrey, Vinters, Wilson, Robson, Jackson, Denning, O’Leary, Brogden.
Subs: Nicholson, Hudson, Wilby.
Penalty goal: Hawkins.