Newark started by taking the lead

A last-minute penalty goal by Matt Cox rewarded Newark for a gutsy, uplifting display against Long Eaton.

Cox struck from 35 metres to put Newark back in front for the final time after Long Eaton had grabbed the lead through their third try.

After two away defeats at Market Rasen and Loughborough, Newark produced an excellent display to snatch victory in another tough away game.

Before Cox struck, Newark had earlier taken the lead in the second half thanks to tries from lock Jason Matthysz and wing Jonno Marshall on his league debut.

Overall, Newark deserved victory for their better start and a greater determination inspired by back-rowers in coach Adam Corcoran and former captain Dave Garland.

It was an afternoon where the ‘Oldies’ led the way backed up by some new faces in the first team squad in Marshall plus forwards Will Clayton, Mark Allen and the versatile Sam Dobson.

There was a welcome return at centre for Kent Birch while there was another cameo display in the second half from the never-stop substitute Haydn Godfrey.

It was an excellent team display where the regulars fronted up including pack men Fran Appleton, Jordan Hempstead, Will Ellison alongside halfbacks Alex O'Dell, Matt Cox and outside backs Will Britten, Billy Charles and Rhys Overland.

The experience of those ‘Oldies’ proved invaluable in a first half when Newark had the better of the match but still turned round 15-8 down, Long Eaton scoring twice feeding off visiting mistakes and some collective poor defence.

Newark had started by taking the lead in the sixth minute when a nifty pass from the nimble Coulam opened the way for wing Overland to score at the corner.

Long Eaton countered to lead 10-5 before a penalty from Cox cut the deficit in another good period of play from Newark which also saw the fly half hit the upright from another attempt.

Just like the first half, Newark had a good start to the second half and camped on the Long Eaton line for a period with a host of forwards held up.

Everyone took their turn in trying to force their way over until lock Matthysz finished off and Cox converted.

That try was quickly followed by Marshall scooting down the left after a break off a scrum by Corcoran and scrum-half Alex O’Dell.

Newark now led 20-15 but those defensive frailties popped up again as Long Eaton grabbed a third try to lead 22-20 going into the final minutes.

Newark looked to have blown their chance but a last-minute penalty allowed Cox to opt for a kick at goal which he landed for a deserved win.

Team: Charles; Overland, Britten (capt), Birch, Marshall; Cox, O’Dell; Appleton, Coulam, Hempstead, Ellison, Matthysz, Garland, Dobson, Corcoran.

Subs: Allen, Clayton, Godfrey.

Tries: Overland, Matthysz, Marshall.
Conversions: Cox.
Penalty goals: Cox (2).

Next Saturday – March 21: home to Matlock (3pm kick off).