Newark dominate in the second half

Midlands Two East North

Oakham 12 Newark 29

Newark made another slow start for the second week running, but once more sped past their opponents to post a bonus-point win this time at third-placed Oakham.

Oakham scored after only eight minutes in this match which had been twice re-arranged as Newark struggled to find a proper gear,

However, Newark found impetus helped by a try from Johnny Statham, the wing making his first senior appearance since scoring four tries in the win over Moderns last September.

Besides the return of Statham, another new-look to the team was the decision to play Jon Evans at No 8 rather than lock in the absence of the unavailable Chris Coen.

Statham, who had been hit by injury and unavailability, had replaced the club’s top try scorer in Will Britten. He touched down under the posts in the 11th minute after picking up the ball in loose play.

Fly half Matt Cox converted and added a penalty in the 24th minute to put Newark 10-5 ahead. Another try from centre Alex Moore, which was also improved by Cox, followed five minutes

Newark continued to dominate in the second half and notched up a bonus point after tries by Matt Clark, following a blindside break by the scrum-half, and wing Toby Edlin who burst clear to score under the posts. Cox converted the final try.

Oakham grabbed a consolation in the closing minute to remain in third place, six behind second-placed Bosworth and 23 off Newark.

Newark’s next league date comes next Saturday at Belgrave, kick off 2.15pm.

Team: Tate; Edlin, Waqalevu Aloesi, Moore, Statham; Cox, Clark; May, Tomlinson, J Barnsdale, Primett, Tatham, Webster, L Cove, Evans.

Subs: Jackson, D Coen, Price.

Tries: Statham, Moore, Clark, Edlin.

Conversions: Cox (3). Penalty: Cox.

Rob Wildman