Basic handling errors let Newark down

Report written by Mark Byrom

Saturday Sept 17
Midlands Two East North

Newark were forced into two changes following last week’s opening win of the season against Market Bosworth.

The skipper, Tommy Coen, and fellow back-rower Freddie Tatham had picked up injuries. This gave starts to Arran Riley and Jon Webster. Rob Edwards was given a start following his impact as a substitute against Bosworth, Chris Tate came into the centres and James Stark slotted onto the wing in the absence of Max Chapple. James Price joined Gareth Bartsch on the bench.

Newark arrived at Matlock with what some might say a psychological edge, beating them twice last season and on the back of that win over Bosworth.

However, this was not the case, Matlock began the game with a high intensity and great pace putting Newark under immediate pressure.

Newark’s defence scrambled well and cleared the initial pressure. Matlock’s initiative to take a quick line out paid off with the ball being spun wide and the home team scoring the first try of the game.

That set the tone for the remainder of the game. Matlock were clearly fired up and determined to avenge their two previous defeats to Newark. It didn’t take Matlock long to strike again, running down the blindside to score in the corner. Newark trailed 12-0 within 10 minutes.

Newark’s defence, that was so solid last week, seem to crumble under the physicality of the Matlock pack. Newark again were on the back foot, defending their white wash, when another break saw Matlock score their third of the game. Matlock’s lead was extended to 19-0.

Following stern words from Lewis Cove, skipper for the day, the next few minutes saw Newark step up their game and apply pressure to the Matlock defence, but for another handling error gifting possession to Matlock and saw them break 60 meters and with the try line beckoning, a superb try saving-tackle from full-back Tom Mawer rescued Newark.

Uncharacteristic mistakes were creeping into the Newark defence, tackles were being missed and penalties were being conceded.

Matlock again showed their dominance and scored the bonus point fourth try. Finally the Newark faithful got something to cheer, when the visitors showed what they were capable of.

A break from Arran Riley saw Newark on the front foot and put some phase play together, which stretched Matlock’s defence and saw a Matlock player receive a yellow card for a deliberate knock on. The following scrum saw the ball spun wide to man-of-the-match Billy Charles to dot down in the corner, finally Newark were on the score sheet just before half time. HT 26-5.

Newark’s scrum had been dominate all day and now a player to the good they tries to twist the screw some more. This gave the backs a good attacking platform, but again basic handling errors let Newark down and saw them not challenge the Matlock defence.

Matlock were not long back to full strength when another quick line-out saw them score again. Matlock extended their lead to 33-5.

Newark now it seemed had nothing to lose and with this mentality they decided that they would start to try and play some rugby.

Newark used their big ball carriers to good effect and a following a powerful run from Jonny ‘The Rig’ Statham, Matlock conceded a sloppy penalty.

Quick thinking from Matty Clark saw him feed Mawer, who floated a lovely pass out to Stark for him to score in the corner. 33-10.

Matlock hit straight back with another score. Newark again decided to play something that replicated last week’s performance and through this broke through the Matlock defence for them to concede another penalty.

Another quick tap penalty saw Mawer dart over for Newark’s third and final try. The final word went to Matlock who scored and converted the last try of the match making the final score 47-15.

Newark Team:
Tom Mawer; Billy Charles, Chris Tate, Kent Birch, James Stark; Dan Mackie, Matty Clark; Arran Riley, Lewis Cove ©, Jon Webster, Mikey Boyd, Jonny Statham, Rob Edwards, Ollie Brown, Rob Dunning.

Subs: James Price, Ben Huddleston, Gareth Bartsch.

Tries: Charles, Stark, Mawer.