A fast start by Newark was rewarded

SSE Midlands One East

Newark 18 Paviors 23

Newark played some excellent rugby in pushing Paviors close in an exciting Nottinghamshire derby at Kelham Road.

Apart from a disastrous first-half spell when they conceded two tries, Newark enjoyed the better of a close contest in the first game played at the ground since the recent flood.

A losing bonus point leaves Newark in 10th place four points clear of Market Rasen. The win for Paviors keeps them in fifth place 10 points behind leaders Old Northamptonians who lost at Bedford Athletic.

A fast start by Newark was rewarded in the fifth minute when captain Chris Tate scored outwide after an attack which began from a catch and drive at a line-out.
Paviors hit back thanks to a penalty goal in the 12th minute before they swept into a convincing lead via a burst of scoring midway through the half.

Some poor tackling in the Newark ranks helped Paviors’ support play create two tries, both of which were converted, for a 17-5 lead after 22 minutes.
Newark tightened up their defence to hit back seven minutes later through a penalty by Coen.
Though Paviors kicked another penalty, a second three-pointer from Coen cut the deficit to 11-20 at half-time.

The home team had the better of a second half which looked to be swinging in their favour after a second try in the 56th minute. This time prop Shaun May produced a familiar powerful burst to finish off after some good ‘pick and go’ play.

Coen converted the try to leave Paviors clinging on at 18-20 going into the final quarter.
Newark maintained the pressure for most of the last 20 but failed to turn pressure into points.
Paviors gave themselves some breathing space by collecting a final penalty in the later stages to record a narrow win.

Newark travel to Spalding next Saturday for another league match, kick off 2.15pm.

Team: Mark Byrom; Tate (capt), Badley, Collishaw, Statham; Danny Coen, Matt Clark; May, Tomlinson, Gray, Primett, Evans, Rhodes, Tom Coen, Neil Clark.

Subs: Barnsdale,Tatham, Cox.

Tries: Tate, May.
Conversions: Coen.
Penalty goals: Coen (2).

Rob Wildman