Overall, it was a poor performance

Newark had chances in the final minutes to grab at least a losing bonus point but spurned two kickable penalty goal chances to push for a try.

Overall, it was a poor performance to bring a run of six league victories to an end since the start of December.

Newark fielded a reshuffled team on a windy day at Nettleham. Back-rowers Dave Garland and James Brogden plus lock Will Seage were recalled to the pack while coach Adam Corcoran did a stint off the bench in the second half.

To cover for the absence of centre Aloesi Waqalevu flanker Sean Denning started in midfield.

After Matt Cox had given Newark the lead through an early penalty goal, Lincoln pounced on mistakes by the visitors to dominate a first half despite playing against the conditions.

Newark conceded three first-half tries to turn round 22-10 down, a penalty try adding to Cox’s early penalty.

A crucial moment came straight from the second-half kick off which saw Lincoln work a quick move to catch out the Newark defence for a fourth try and a lead of 27-10.

Newark regrouped to play a much better second half and a try from wing Rhys Overland, following good work by forwards Will Ellison and Dave Garland, cut the margin to 27-15.

Lincoln landed a penalty to improve their lead before Newark finished in charge, Mason Coulam scoring out wide to reward the pressure.

However, Newark could not close further and were left kicking themselves at the end for missing out on least a losing bonus point for finishing within seven or fewer points.

Newark face another away trip next Saturday, to Long Eaton (Feb 15), kick off 3.00 pm.

The next home game is on Saturday February 22, against Loughborough, kick off 2.15pm.

Newark team v Lincoln: Hunter-Shaw; Overland, Denning, Britten, Taylor; Cox, O’Dell; Coulam, Chapple, Appleton, Ellison, Seage, Duncan, Brogden, Garland.

Subs: Hempstead, Tomlinson, Corcoran.

Tries: pen try, Overland, Coulam.

Conversion: pen try.