A late try from centre Evan Marshall raised hopes of a victory at Stoke in another tight match for the first team.

Marshall, a recruit from the successful colts squad who had scored on his debut in the autumn, struck 10 minutes from time to cut back Stoke’s 19-8 lead.

Full-back Sam Hawkins added the conversion but Stoke held on in a scrambling finish which saw wing Ovi Gilder go close in a kick and chase.

Gilder had earlier scored in an opening burst which had given Newark a lead. However, Stoke led 12-8 at half-time and scored a third try in the second half to stretch that lead.

Newark fielded three new faces in two more recruits from the colts in wing Ollie Brewer and flanker Connor Cnockaert and prop Paul Budden, who has joined from Gainsborough.

Newark started the game brightly, taking advantage of a slight slope and an early penalty led to Gilder finishing off on the left after smart handling in the backs. The conversion failed but Newark were good value for their lead.

Newark pinned Stoke back in their own half and the hosts lost a player with a yellow card. Despite this ascendancy, Stoke won a penalty in midfield and Newark were marched back 10 metres for backchat.

The resultant kick to touch led to a rolling maul and Stoke forced their way over for a try to even the scores.

A stalemate in midfield developed and Stoke missed out on a clear try on the right when their winger spilled the ball. The writing was on the wall for Newark.

Joshie Waqalevu earned a yellow card for an offence in midfield and Stoke scored from the penalty. The try was converted to make the home lead 12-5.

Newark clawed back some of the deficit just before half time when Hawkins converted a midfield penalty.

During the second half, the three replacements came on but Newark came under pressure and were unable to prevent another Stoke try as the lead was stretched to 19-8.

Newark were under constant pressure for most of the half and it was clear that the scrum was suffering. One collapsed scrum in front of the posts gave a penalty chance to the Stoke kicker who surprisingly missed.

Newark fought back and were boosted by substitute Marshall, who accelerated out from midfield and danced through the defence to score.

It was a welcome piece of skill in what had become an increasingly dour game. Hawkins added the conversion to give Newark a chance.

Despite a long downfield chase by Gilder, the home side scrambled the ball clear and Newark were left to reflect on what might have been with better decisions and execution.

As ever, the Newark side fought and competed well against a side in a much better position in the league but it was not to be their day.

Next Saturday (Feb 7), the squad is away to Matlock (2.15pm) in a key match between teams at the bottom of the table. All supporters welcome.

Team v Stoke: Hawkins; Brewer, Waqalevu, Walton, Gilder; Grogan, Paley; Godfrey, Vinters, Wilson, Jackson, Robson, Clayton, Cnockaert. Brogden.
Subs: Budden, Catley, Marshall.