The 1sts endured another frustrating Saturday afternoon this time missing out on a victory opportunity to gain only a second league win of the campaign.
Newark finished strongly to push Ilkeston all the way but, ultimately, paid for a disastrous first-half spell which saw the visitors score four tries in 12 minutes.
It was a horrible spell for the home team who turned round 22-10 down before dominating the second half to bring hopes of a win in the closing stages.

Apart from that first-half collapse, the Newarkers were a committed bunch and collectively played better as the match progressed. Once again, following his man-of-the-match display at Paviors, they were led by back-rower Sean Denning.

Newark’s tries came from centre Noah Catley and wing Harry Waterhouse. Sam Hawkins converted both scores plus two penalty goals.
Before the first-half wobbles intervened, Newark had started well and gained the upper hand up front which brought a penalty from Hawkins for a 3-0 lead.

Ilkeston, helped by a front-row substitution, took over to start a profitable period encouraged by some dreadful Newark defence.
At 22-3 down Newark needed a lift and that came just before half-time when centre Noah Catley squeezed over on the left for a try which Hawkins converted to make the score 10-22.

Newark bossed the second half to such an extent that Ilkeston rarely got into the home 22. The pressure eventually brought points when, just after the hour mark, wing Harry Waterhouse escaped on the left following some excellent handling and phase play.

With Hawkins landing the conversion, Newark were within touching distance and a further penalty goal meant for a tense finale which almost edged the home team ahead.

Newark are at Sutton Coldfield next Saturday before facing a trip to leaders Dronfield on 13 December.

The last match before Christmas is a home date against fellow strugglers Belgrave on 20 December, kick off 2.15pm.

Team: Haydn Godfrey, Fern, Wilson, Robson, Jackson, Denning, O’Leary, Brogden; Paley, Walton (capt), Waterhouse, Catley, Waqalevu, Churchill, Hawkins.

Subs: Vinters, Alexander, Samuel.

Tries: Waterhouse, Catley. Conversions: Hawkins (2). Penalty goals: Hawkins (2).