A Very cold afternoon

Newark failed to capitalise on a long period of second-half pressure on a disappointing afternoon at Long Eaton.

Two late tries stretched the home team’s lead after Newark had looked very capable of at least gaining a losing bonus point.

Newark were 14-0 down at half-time but good forward pressure led by a front-row of Ben Wells, Jordan Hempstead and Jed Chapple
gained a penalty try which brought hope of more for the visiting supporters.

However, Newark failed to take full advantage of the pressure and Long Eaton losing a player to the sin bin.

The crucial moment came when Newark lost possession in trying to break-out from their own half
and Long Eaton took full advantage to finish in control.

Long Eaton had started far more positively than Newark and scored twice in the opening 20 minutes.

Newark took time to get going and were also hampered by an early injury to one of team’s most consistent forwards in Mason Coulam.

Another re-jig came in the second half when wing Josh Watts sustained a knee injury which gave Toby Taylor a league debut.

There was also a first league start for another wing in John Blagg.

The first team now have a week’s break before resuming league fixtures on Saturday 16 February at home to Loughborough, kick off 3pm.

Team: Hunter-Shaw; Watts, Charles, Birch, Blagg; Cox, Overland; Wells, Chapple, Hempstead,
Matthysz, Williams, Coulam, Duncan, Garland (capt).

Subs: Godfrey, Witton, Taylor.

Try: penalty try & conversion.