A case of coming back down to earth with a bump.

There were always going to be big challenges for our 2nds at this level - none more so than away at the league leaders who had won all of their fixtures, scoring an average of almost 40 points a game.

And so it proved. Once again, the disparity in size was immediately apparent as the teams lined up and Kesteven made full use of their physicality. They also had a definite game plan to gain ground early with even their forwards putting boot to ball with impressive effect.

Their early scrums were dominant (although Newark's eight fought back strongly in the second half) and they often opted for scrums after winning penalties. Their rolling maul was also an effective weapon.

But there is much more to their game. They counter attack well , have pace as well as power and some of their handling support play after initial breaks was outstanding.

Kesteven were 12 -0 up after just six minutes before Newark began to get their act together. But the periods of attack and possession we did have usually ended in a penalty or turnover. One particularly unfortunate break out and try occurred after we had fought to get into their 22 for the first time

Although it might sound somewhat counter intuitive to talk about positives after a half time score of 29-0 - there were some.

Number eight Sean Denning quite frankly played like a man possessed and at times it felt like he was single handedly taking on Kesteven by himself. He made big hits and relished the opportunities to carry into the heart of the home side's pack. His stand out performance continued throughout the second half. Flanker Jack Stickings also demonstrated his power and carried hard on a number of occasions.

Neither did the team throw in the towel. The second half was lost by 14-5 but we fought hard and could have scored several tries. As it was, we were limited to just one. Centre Ollie Case demonstrating his pace to beat three defenders after the forwards had worked to turn over the ball.

So after winning three matches on the trot against 1st XVs, this was a case of coming back down to earth with a bump. There is a chance for redemption as our next match will be against the league's second placed team Melton Mowbray in the New Year.

As for Kesteven, it seems that there's little in the way to stop their promotion.

Apart from the looming threat of a ten point reduction (currently suspended) imposed following the abuse of the match official by a fan during a ladies' fixture.