A disappointing afternoon in Northamptonshire

Report written by Rob Wildman

Midlands One East

Bugbrooke 33 Newark 12

Newark slipped to only their second defeat of the season on a disappointing afternoon in Northamptonshire at Bugbrooke.

To cap the defeat - five tries to two - Newark had Kent Birch carried off early on after suffering a suspected broken ankle.
The wing, who joined Newark this season, was injured in the muddy conditions following a tackle when his team was on the attack.

Johnny Statham took over and almost immediately scored when producing one of his trademark runs down the flank.

Overall, though, Newark struggled in the first half when they played into the worse of the conditions including a low sun.

Bugbrooke turned round 26-0 up having scored four tires to record a try bonus point as well.

A half-time rethink brought a quick response from Newark when some good early attacks ended in a try for No 8 Jon Webster.

The second half turned out to be an even match and Newark scored a second try through captain Matt Clark who shot clear after a series of rucks.
James Offer converted the second try to put Newark 26-12 behind until Bugbrooke grabbed a penalty try in the final minutes for a scrum offence as the home team attacked.

Captain Clark won coach Nathan Smith’s man-of-the-match award for his efforts in trying to keep the team on the attack.

Newark are scheduled to host Notts Casuals next Saturday in the second round of the NLD Shield.

Kick off at Kelham Road is 2pm.

Team: Mark Byrom; Birch, Tate, Cox, Galinski; Offer, Matt Clark; Barnsdale, Tomlinson, Tinsley, Primett, Tatham, Bunn, Lewis Cove, Webster.

Subs: Dunning, Dan Price, Statham.

Tries: Webster, Clark.

Conversion: Offer.

Rob Wildman