A Slow start but all right in the end

Midlands Two East North

Bakewell Mannerians 15 Newark 31

Three tries in the final quarter against second-placed Bakewell stretched Newark’s unbeaten start to the league season.

Victory by four tries to five penalty goals brought Newark a try bonus point as well to extend the lead at the top to eight points over the Derbyshire team.

Newark needed a try each from the Coen brothers, Danny and Chris, plus two from wing Will Britten to overcome Bakewell in a tough contest which only went the way of the visitors late on.

Bakewell turned round 12-5 up, Britten having scored his first try in the 11th minute, and then 15-8 early in the second half after a fifth penalty and one by Danny Coen for Newark.

Coen kicked a second penalty before his break in the 60th minute put Newark ahead for the first time at 16-15. He also converted to be quickly followed by Britten finishing off another overlap for his second touchdown.

The game’s final try went to Chris Coen, the back row forward who had replaced No 8 Ryan Fisher in the second half, going over from close quarters. To cap the victory, brother Danny kicked a drop goal in the closing stages.

Newark were well served by their younger players apart from Britten. Up front, there was a welcome return to the club of prop Danny Gray who made his first team debut as a 50th-minute substitute for Dave Shiels. Freddie Tatham was also back in the pack after injury troubles. He replaced Jon Evans who cried off before the match.

Next Saturday, the 1st XV travel to Rugby-based Old Laurentians for a Third-round tie in the Intermediate Cup, kick off to be confirmed.

Newark have gained a reprieve after Peterborough Lions were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in the first round win.

Team: Tate; Waqalevu, Sibilski, Moore, Britten; D Coen, Clark; Barnsdale, Tomlinson, Shiels, Primett, Tatham, Webster, L Cove, Fisher. Subs: Gray, C Coen, Cox.

Tries: Britten (2), D Coen, C Coen. Cons: D Coen. Pens: D Coen (2). Drop goal: D Coen. Sin bin: C Coen.

Rob Wildman