The 1sts produced another convincing performance on the road by sweeping aside the University second string on a perfect autumn afternoon for attacking rugby.

Newark started in business-like fashion and never let up to post a win by seven tries to one – the students scoring in the final moments to grab a consolation for their efforts.

After the win at Market Rasen last month, this performance was another confident display on the road after an opening spell of six matches which has brought four at home.

Newark, like at Rasen, had the pace and edge, especially outwide, where wing Toby Waller contributed three tries and two from a new face at scrum-half in Ben Blacknall, from the colts squad. Centre Evan Marshall and lock Ethan Moss also scored tries.

Blacknall, who took over from the injured James Tarbatt at No 9, settled into his role at halfback alongside Billy Tanoa, who was making only his second appearance following a home debut in the win over Lincoln.

After a Tanoa penalty had put Newark 3-0 up, Blacknall burst clear for the first try to reward Newark’s early pressure and possession thanks to a strong scrum and an improving line-out.

Waller first showed his paces by racing clear from halfway when a home attack broke down to put Newark 13-0 which was improved by Tanoa’s conversion.

Two tries around the half-hour mark extended Newark’s lead after a period of pressure from the university had been weathered.

Centre Marshall finished off one to be followed by Waller’s second, the wing feeding off a break down the left by Joe Doubell.

Newark turned round 25-0 up and a sixth try early in the second half – Blacknall scoring his second – meant the victory was assured. Tanoa added his second conversion for a lead of 32-0.

To the credit of the Loughborough lads they never stopped trying and each time met some stout Newark tackling.

Newark always looked to attack from deep and the best score of the afternoon came in the final quarter. It featured Waller chasing his own chip ahead and then juggling and catching the ball for a memorable score in the corner.

The final try came from Moss to gain a try for his hard-working performances in recent matches. Captain Matt Walton converted the score for a lead of 44-0 before the University scored their consolation.

This fifth win of the campaign lifts Newark into second place, four points behind leaders Southwell who won at Lincoln 31-0. Market Rasen have jumped ahead of their county rivals into third place by winning at Belgrave, 52-24.

The 1sts now have a weekend off and resume league fixtures on Saturday week at home to Spalding (14 November), kick off 2.15pm.

Newark team v Loughborough Univ 2nds: Walton; Doubell, Marshall, Waqalevu, Waller; Tanoa, Blacknall; Germany, Chapple, Wilson, Codd, Moss, Brogden, O’Leary, Denning.

Subs: Vinters, Brooke-Bowen, Catley.
Tries: Blacknall (2), Waller (3), Marshall, Moss.
Con: Tanoa (2), Walton. Pens: Tanoa.

Photos from the fixture can be found “HERE”