NEWARK CLIMBED TO FOURTH

Saturday Nov 11
Midlands Two East North

Newark climbed to fourth in the table after recording a fourth league win of the season by four tries to two at Kelham Road.

A patchy display failed to hit the heights of Newark’s last home game, the Cup win over Old Laurentians.

This time Newark could not impose themselves for long periods against a competitive Casuals team.

After the injury-hit league defeat at West Bridgford last week, Newark had to field a changed squad bringing in fit-again former captain Tom Coen, playing his first game of the season, plus the Slack brothers, Callum and Jordan, and prop Dave Shiels.

Newark led 12-3 after 30 minutes following tries by No 8 Coen, following a sustained attack, plus a try for lock Will Ellison who bustled over off a forward drive.

Max Chapple added a conversion but Casuals kept in the match via an early penalty goal and the first of their two tries for a 12-11 half-time margin.

Second-half tries from Mikey Boyd and wing Robbie Hunter-Shaw extended Newark’s lead but Casuals deservedly claimed a losing bonus point for pushing the home team close.

Newark thought they had scored a further try when centre Jordan Slack crashed through but the referee a judged the player had been held up.

Casuals might easily have folded but they fought back with a try following a rolling maul which was duly converted.

Newark came under increased pressure in the final 10 minutes but their defence held on.... just.

Casuals also claimed a try but the referee, like the Slack incident, judged it had been held up.

Finally, a mistake by Casuals gave Newark the opportunity to clear to touch and a welcome final whistle.

Next Saturday Newark travel to Earlsdon in Coventry for a fourth-round tie in the RFU Intermediate Cup. Kick off 2pm tbc. Please check on club website for time.

Newark: Callum Slack; Stark, Waqalevu, Jordan Slack, Hunter-Shaw; Chapple (capt), Clark; Appleton, Coulam, Shiels, Ellison, Bagga, Boyd, Crosby, Coen.

Subs: Bartsch, Spurr, Watts.

Tries: Coen, Ellison, Boyd, Hunter-Shaw.

Cons: Chapple (2).