A fiercely-contested clash

The same could be said for Newark after they slipped to a narrow defeat by their local rivals in a fiercely-contested clash, Southwell holding on at the end.

On a wet pitch which was passed playable in the lead up, Newark looked to have the means to back up the win at Southwell in the autumn.

However, resolute Southwell, driven on by the threat of relegation, proved too strong in a match where both teams had a player sin binned in Southwell captain Dan Montagu and home flanker Aaron Riley.

Newark led 12-10 at half-time after two tries in quick succession by wing Alex Henderson and full-back Robbie Hunter-Shaw had rewarded a good period of pressure in the final 10 minutes of the half.

Southwell had taken the early initiative through a penalty and a try out wide by wing Aaron Whittaker after a dash down the touchline beat the Newark cover.

Newark recovered from that slow start to control the match and to play some good rugby in making those tries for Henderson, in the left corner following a nifty pass from No 8 Dave Garland, and Hunter-Shaw on the right, the full-back converting his own try.

The home team continued on the front foot at the start of the second half and there looked only one winner.

However, Southwell grabbed the initiative again midway through the half when Jack Skill intercepted a Newark move in midfield and then had the pace to race 60 metres for a try which was converted.

Those points put Southwell 17-12 up and a further penalty, after the visitors were held up on the Newark line, stretched the lead to 20-12.

Newark responded in the best way possible and staged a last-ditch rally which brought a try for No 8 Dave Garland who finished off a forward drive.

However, the conversion went wide and another final attack broke down giving Southwell the opportunity to clear to end the contest.

Team: Hunter-Shaw; Charles, Waqalevu, Birch, Henderson; Clark, Max Chapple; Coulam, Jed Chapple, Shiels, Ellison, Boyd, Riley, Crosby, Garland (capt).

Subs: Himsworth, Bagga, Tweedie.

Tries: Henderson, Hunter-Shaw, Garland.

Conversion: Hunter-Shaw.

Newark play at Nottingham Casuals next Saturday in a re-arranged league match. Kick off tbc. Please see website during week for details.