Newark dominated throughout

Newark finished 2019 in style by returning a nine-try to nil win over Ashbourne in front of a festive audience at Kelham Road.

Captain Will Britten scored two tries in a second-half romp which brought seven scores to add to two tries in the opening half.

Newark played some entertaining rugby despite the heavy pitch which passed a Saturday morning inspection.

The win lifts Newark into eighth place and backs up last week’s success at Notts Casuals.

Newark kicked off on a fine afternoon but wet pitch and were soon on the attack, winning a touch in Ashbourne’s 22 which led to Quinlan scoring the opening try from a rolling maul. Matt Cox landed the first of seven conversions.

Newark continued to press but were set back by a yellow card for Fran Appleton for a high tackle.

Undaunted, Newark continued to press and a break by Will Ellison led to a try for Alex O' Dell from short range. Cox was unable to convert.

Ashbourne fought back and it needed sharp work by O'Dell to clear the lines. Shortly afterwards Tuks Vinakasa broke through in midfield but was frustrated by a knock forward.

Half-time arrived with Newark feeling comfortable but far from home and dry at 12-0 up.

Within minutes of the restart, Vinakasa picked up a stray pass and powered infield to score and Cox duly converted.

This was followed by Aloesi Waqalevu breaking free after a missed pass by Cox and the popular centre scored in the left corner for a try which was popular with the Newark faithful. It was far out and Cox failed to convert but Newark were 24-0 up.

A five-metre scrum for Newark led to another try, this time by Cox who barged over from short range and then converted his own try.

Newark continued to dominate proceedings and a high tackle led to a scrum five-metres out and Britten crossed for the try.

This was followed in short order by some fluent passing to give student returnee, James Brogden, a sharp try on the left. Once again, Cox converted.

At this stage, Newark were in full flow and, again, sharp passing allowed Rhys Overland to cross for a try on the right. The influential Cox converted.

Newark returned to the attack and a little grubber kick by Cox allowed Britten to break through before controlling the ball and scoring his second try. Cox converted and the referee brought the game to a close.

Newark were able to reflect on a game which they had dominated throughout and were deserved winners whilst giving their fans an early Christmas present.

Don’t forget about the President’s Match on Boxing Day, kick off noon. The 1sts are back in action in the league on Saturday 4 January at Coalville, kick off 2.15pm.

Newark team v Ashbourne: Taylor; Vinakasa, Waqalevu, Britten, Overland; Cox, O’Dell; Quinlan, Tomlinson, Appleton, Ellison, Woodman, Brogden, Duncan, Webster.

Subs: Haydn Godfrey, Garland, Charles
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Tries: Quinlan, O’Dell, Vinakasa, Waqalevu, Cox, Britten (2), Brogden, Overland.

Conversions: Cox (7).