We can still be a threat with ball in hand

The RAF Hawks is, essentially, the RAF's academy side. Some of the players on show today will end up playing for the RAF's 1st XV.

I'm told by their coaching staff that the RAF itself would be capable of playing at National 1 or 2 level - which explains why the Hawks were fit, quick and well-drilled.

They showed their intentions from the kick off, running from deep at every opportunity although Newark could have taken the lead after spinning the ball themselves. For a while we were camped on their line and the visitors were perhaps fortunate not to be given a yellow card following a series of infringements in the "red zone". A certain Newark try was butchered with a knock on before the Hawks' fullback made an interception and ran 80 metres to score under the posts.

Another sign that it wasn't to be Newark's day came when a Hawks' lineout in Newark's 22 was badly overthrown but they were still able to claim their second try.

Newark's cause wasn't helped by losing two scrums against the head and the third try came after they lost their own line out ball. The Hawks were up by 21 points after just 23 minutes

Sam Dobson - who proved a real thorn in the side of the RAF with a series of powerful beaks - got Newark on the scoresheet - crashing over from a scrum near the RAF line. Olly Gelsthorpe converted.

Our scrum had its moments - driving the RAF back on a number of occasions. A break by George Bacon and neat offload to Dobson almost led to a second try but the Hawks defence snuffed out the attack - illegally as it happens - but Newark were unable to take advantage from the resulting penalty.

The second half was always going to be tough for us, playing into the wind. But there was a sustained period of possession which unfortunately ended with an RAF player stealing the ball and breaking free in our 22 to cross the line.

Dobson was forced to leave the field when a tackle left his left horribly buckled beneath him. It looked extremely painful as he limped off.

The Hawks went on to score two more tries as their fitness began to take its toll although we showed we can still be a threat with ball in hand against decent opposition.

Tries: Sam Dobson
Conversion: Olly Gelsthorpe.