Newark’s tries came from forwards

This ninth league win of the season keeps the 1st XV in third place behind leaders West Bridgford, who won at Matlock, and second-placed Dronfield who beat Ashbourne 33-10.

Newark’s tries came from forwards Mason Coulam and Will Ellison. These were backed up by some good goal kicking from Robbie Hunter-Shaw who converted both tries and two penalty goals.

Here Andrew Fearn reports from the win at Loughborough.

Newark’s game at Loughborough was in doubt until Saturday morning as a result of the sodden conditions. However, the pitch proved playable despite cutting up as the match progressed.

The Newark XV arrived keen to put on a good performance for their watching prop, Francis Appleton, who had broken his leg in training last Tuesday.

Loughborough’s big pack immediately put Newark under pressure and after only seven minutes scored a try on the right after the ball had been spilled by Newark. The damage was limited as the conversion was missed.

Newark fought back and won a penalty when the Loughborough full-back knocked on deliberately. Newark won the ensuing line-out and started to recycle the ball in the forwards before Loughborough won a penalty and kicked to safety.

Newark were finding it difficult to win and retain the ball and, in the process, conceded a series of penalties.

Loughborough attacked again with a kick through on the Newark 22 and, although a try was averted, Will Britten received a yellow card for obstruction. Newark’s resolve was being tested and they met the challenge, effectively defending in numbers.

As the half hour mark approached, Newark broke out again, winning line-outs in the opposition 22. Finally, the pressure told and Mason Coulam went over after a well-worked catch and drive. Robbie Hunter-Shaw stepped forward as a stand in place kicker and calmly slotted the conversion; 5-7.

Newark went back on the attack from the re-start and won a penalty on the Loughborough 22 after a powerful forward drive. Once again, Hunter-Shaw stepped forward to convert the kick and give Newark a five-point lead.

Newark went back on the attack again but Loughborough won a scrum in front of their posts and looked to have secured their position. The ball squirted out of the side and was pounced on by the alert Will Ellison who touched down for a late try and, once again, Hunter-Shaw converted. It meant that Newark went into the break leading 5-17, having faced down the larger opposition and gluey conditions.

Newark started the second half where they had left off and exerted good pressure in the opposition 22. Loughborough fought back and forced Newark back into deep defence, touching down in goal to earn a 22 drop-out. It was taken quickly by Billy Charles and the resulting scramble gave Britten the opportunity to put in a spirited run down the left and earn a penalty.

Newark exerted good pressure on the Loughborough line which was only relieved by a penalty. Once again play switched ends and Newark were forced to scramble behind their line with debutant, Findlay Tweedie showing good composure to dot down and earn a 22 drop out.

Loughborough redoubled their efforts and fought back with good pressure on the Newark line. They were rewarded with a try under the posts after smart work by their backs. The conversion put them back in contention at 12-17.

The game had become a muddy midfield battle and Newark struggled to re-assert themselves. Their cause was not helped by losing two line outs in quick succession.

Despite this, they earned a kickable penalty on the Loughborough 22, enabling Hunter-Shaw to step forward and maintain his 100 per cent record by converting the kick. As Newark sealed out the game, hooker Jed Chapple, was carried off, causing concern that another front row casualty had occurred.

The referee’s final whistle ended a last Loughborough attack and Newark could reflect on a fine win marked by some excellent forward effort and outstanding defence throughout the side.

Tries: Coulam, Ellison.
Conversions: Hunter-Shaw (2).
Penalty goals: Hunter-Shaw (2).

Team v Loughborough: Britten; Tweedie, Birch, Waqalevu, Hunter-Shaw; Clark (capt), Charles; Hempstead, Chapple, Shiels, Ellison, Boyd, Matthysz, Spurr, Coulam.

Subs: Himsworth, Bartsch, Moore.