An impressive team performance

A close fought and highly entertaining game which could easily have gone either way ended with a dramatic last gasp try which took our 2nd XV to the top of the league.

This was such an impressive team performance it somehow feels wrong to pick out individuals. But I will.

Josh Codd must take the headlines - not just for his hat trick heroics but also for the way he took his line out ball and repeatedly got over the gain line.

Flanker Matt Christian played like a man possessed in the first half - constantly bursting through tackles and rocking the Medics back on their heels. In this he was assisted by Alex Hales and Ben Wells who also made hard yards.

This bonus point win away at the early season leaders takes us above local rivals Southwell 2nds who surprisingly crashed to defeat at Nottinghamians.

The Medics beat us at Kelham Road earlier in the season when at one point we were reduced to 12 men. It felt like history was repeating itself when centre Raffa Ruiz was yellow carded early in the game and fly half Olly Gelsthorpe went off with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Johno Armstong. Winger Rhys Overland, once again demonstrating his versatility, was switched to fly half where he had a near flawless game.

From the start the home side showed just how dangerous they are when they spin the ball but they squandered a couple of early chances to take the lead before opening their account with a converted try under the posts - despite a valiant last ditch tackle from Armstrong which almost snuffed out the attack. Frustratingly the try came just seconds before Ruiz was due to return to the pitch.

Codd's first try - shrugging off several tackles after a sustained period of Newark pressure - was converted by Overland to level the score but a knock on from the re-start led to a scrum and the Medics' second try which was also converted.

Playing into a stiff wind, Newark were often forced to defend in their 22 but some of the exit play was outstanding as they constantly re-cycled the ball to fight their way upfield.
Codd again showed his strength to force his way over for his second and an Overland conversion tied the scores at half time.

A break by the Medics led to their third converted try, despite some dogged defensive work, before Codd's hat trick try and another conversion once again made it all square.

Seventeen year old Will Staniforth, making his senior debut at scrum half, was hauled down just yards from the line after a sharp blindside break. He is the third generation from his family to play for Newark, following in the footsteps of dad Richard and grandfather Barry.

Newark took the lead for the first time when replacement Dave Garland picked up and powered his way over with Overland converting again.

This time it was the Medics who came from behind with their centre scoring a superb individual try - weaving his way past several despairing tackles to go under the posts, The conversion made it 28-28 with minutes remaining.

The Medics continued to look dangerous when running from deep but it was Newark Second Row Will Alexander whose last minute try from short range provoked huge celebrations among the visitors and their followers.

This was a hard fought win and every member of the Newark squad played his part.

A note of praise for the Medics. They played the game in a good spirit and seem like a good bunch of lads. They also have the pressure of fielding sides for the highly competitive National Association of Medical Schools competitions but they have brought much to this league and, despite recent defeats, remain well in contention.