1st - Newark’s enterprise almost brought victory

Midlands One East
Newark 29 Old Northamptonians 30

Newark produced a rousing display to almost topple leaders Old Northamptonians in a memorable game at Kelham Road.

It was also an outstanding afternoon for Johnny Statham, the Newark left winger who scored four out of the five tries. The other try scorer was No 8 James Price. Captain Chris Tate kicked two conversions.

Newark’s enterprise almost brought victory as they led 29-23 going into the final stages only to concede a late try and conversion which clinched victory for ONs.

The defeat did bring some consolation in a losing bonus point plus another extra point for scoring four tries or more.

However, the biggest lift for Newark, following four defeats in five games, was the performance of another team showing a number of changes from the previous week.

Newark had to field flanker Tom Coen at centre while Mark Byrom was moved to fly half in the absence of both regular playmakers in Danny Coen and Matt Cox.

There was also a welcome return of Will Britten for his first game in two months because of studies at Loughborough University.

Up front, a new-look back row featured David Fotheringham at openside and Neil Clark on the blindside.

Statham scored twice in each half. His best effort was his second in the first half when he finished off a move which saw the ball moved through four pairs of hands. In the second half, he galloped in off an interception and raced home after a loose kick out by ONs.

The visitors had led 11-10 at the interval before a topsy-turvy second half saw both teams hold the lead going into the final minutes when ONs managed to grab the crucial final initiative.

Team: Tate; Britten, Collishaw, Tom Coen, Statham; Mark Byrom, Matt Clark; May, Tomlinson, Gray, Evans, Primett, Neil Clark, Fotheringham, Price.

Subs: Tinsley, Mark Staines, Andrews.

Tries: Statham (4), Price.

Conversions: Tate (2).

Rob Wildman