A try disallowed early on!

Midlands Two East North
Aylestone St James 9 Newark 17

Mission accomplished! Newark’s first team squad sealed promotion and the Midlands One East North title on Saturday by gaining win number 19 of the league season at Aylestone St James.

Though second-placed Market Bosworth won 28-24 at Oakham, they are now unable to catch Newark, who lead by 16 points, even if they won their three remaining games.

A try each from captain Chris Tate and scrum-half Matt Clark kept Newark ahead of a gritty Leicester team who never gave up.

The disappointment for Newark was the failure to continue the form of last weekend when defeating Derby in the Notts, Lincs & Derbys semi-final.

Newark had a try disallowed early on from a catch and drive move but quickly established supremacy in the 11th when Tate scooted over from full-back after the home defence had been stretched.

Matt Cox converted that try to put Newark 7-0 up but the expected floodgate of points never materialised.

The Jimmies competed well and gained a penalty just before half-time to keep Newark pegged at 7-3.

Newark’s second try came five minutes after the interval when Clark spotted a gap in midfield to race through. Cox converted for a 14-3 lead.

Once again the home team fought back and gained a second penalty in the 50th before Cox increased Newark’s margin to 17-6 in the 56th minute.

The final score came eight minutes from time when the Jimmies added a third penalty to keep in sight of Newark. Next Saturday, Newark host Leicester Forest (kick off 3pm) in the final home league game of the season. Trips to West Bridgford and Casuals follow after the Easter break.

Team: Tate; Statham, Waqalevu, Moore, Britten; Cox, Clark; May, Tomlinson, J Barnsdale, Tatham, Evans, Price, L Cove, C Coen.

Subs: Jackson, Primett, Edlin.

Sin bins: L Cove, Price.

Tries: Tate, Clark.

Cons: Cox (2).

Pens: Cox.

Newark’s next game comes on Tuesday evening (kick off 7.30pm) in a semi-final clash against Moderns at Kelham Road.

The team shows a number of changes from Saturday’s line up including a first-team debut for flanker Richard Warmington.

Newark v Moderns, Tuesday, Notts Cup,
kick off 7.30pm,
Kelham Rd.

Team: Tate; Edlin, Waqalevu, Bridges, Britten; Cox, Clark; Jackson, J Barnsdale, Gray, Primett, Evans, Warmington, L Cove, Webster.

Subs: Tomlinson, Gilchrist, Price, Sibilski.

Rob Wildman