Newark 1sts face a relegation play off on Saturday week (25 April) after losing a wind-blown final match of the regular league season at West Bridgford.

Bridgford, who finished runners up to champions Dronfield, proved too strong on a testing afternoon.

Newark now face an away trip to Old Saltleians in a new play off devised by the RFU to bring greater jeopardy to the end-of-season matches.

While Newark lost, Old Saltleians beat Stoke, 39-21, to finish two points ahead in a table which pits the 10th-placed team against the 11th in a play off to decide the second relegation spot. Bottom-placed Belgrave are automatically relegated.

Bridgford had first use of a strong wind on Saturday and quickly pinned Newark back in a troubled first half for the visitors.

Newark had to make a couple of changes due to injuries early on to scrum-half Elliot Paley and hooker Jamie Vinters.

While Paley came back on, Vinters needed treatment for a cut head following a midfield collision.

Newark defended well for periods and only turned round 12-0 down, Bridgford having scored two tries, the second from an interception near halfway.

A strong start to the second half set up Newark and a try from lock Jamie Robson, following some good attacking play, cut Bridgford’s lead to 12-7, Sam Harrison landing the conversion.

However, Bridgford quickly cut through again for a third try to-establish control which they never relinquished in a crucial period by scoring a further try as well.

To the credit of Newark some good counter-attacking try brought two tries in the closing minutes from centre Toby Waller and flanker Ed Clayton. Harrison added a conversion as well.

Bridgford had the final say by bashing over for a firth try to reaffirm their superiority and forward edge. Next stop for Newark – Old Saltleians on Saturday week (25 April).

Team v West Bridgford: Tarbatt; Allen, Waqalevu, Waller, Walton; Hawkins, Paley; Godfrey, Vinters, Wilson, Poulson, Robson, Clayton, O’Leary, Brogden.
Subs: Budden, Jackson, Churchill.
Tries: Robson, Waller, Clayton.
Conversions: Hawkins (2).