The sides looked evenly matched

Saturday Feb 17
Newark 0 West Bridgford 26

A brief lunch time shower didn’t dampen the Newark support for this eagerly awaited fixture against league leaders West Bridgford.

The sun came out, the pitch was in good condition for this time of year and a good crowd packed the terraces.

From the kick-off Newark pinned the visitors down in their 22 but were then penalised which allowed Bridgford to clear their lines.

Bridgford knocked-on in the ensuing line-out and Newark were able to regain field position by winning the scrum and kicking into the Bridgford 22.

However, another Newark infringement again allowed Bridgford to clear their line and take play into the Newark half.

From the subsequent line-out, Bridgford produced a strong drive and some quick passing gave them the first score in the corner. 0-5.

Despite fumbling the restart, Bridgford had a promising attack but were penalised at the break-down allowing Newark to mount a good attack of their own.

At this point, the sides looked evenly matched with attack and counter attack slowly developing into a mid-field wrestling match. Nevertheless, it was the pacey Bridgford backs who gained the initiative and a well-executed move led to their second score and a successful conversion. 0 – 12.

For the third time, Bridgford made a mess of the restart, but for the third time Newark were unable to capitalise. A tapped penalty on half-way caught Newark napping and some poor defence allowed Bridgford to build a good forward attack leading to a Bridgford score under the posts. 0 – 19.

After the restart, further Bridgford pressure saw Newark relieved to win a penalty on their own 22. Unfortunately, the relieving kick to touch was kept in play and some slick Bridgford passing led to another score under the posts as the half-time whistle blew. 0 – 26.

Playing into the breeze in the second half did not bode well for the home side. However, Newark came out with much more purpose and from the kick-off started to play some fluid rugby.

Much of the second half was characterised by attack and counter attack by both sides. The home side’s defence was much improved and the scrum was dominant despite the heavier opposition.

Similarly, the Newark line out, coupled to some aggressive ball carrying was a big improvement on the first half. All three Subs were used with subsequent positional changes as the game went on.

Nevertheless, despite these significant improvements, Newark were unable to convert pressure into points. Last minute knock-ons and conceded penalties were the frustrating story of the second half.

So, with neither side troubling the score board in the second half, West Bridgford retained their top spot with a 0 – 26 win.

Newark team: Callum Slack, Britten, Waqalevu, Jordan Slack, Hunter-Shaw, Clark, Chapple, Coulam, Tomlinson, Shiels, Ellison, Primett, Riley, Crosby, Garland (capt).

Subs: Charles, Hempstead, Bagga.

Newark play Paviors in the Notts Cup next Saturday (Feb 24), kick off 2pm at Kelham Road.

Scotland-England on TV from 4.45pm.