The final scoreline may not look pretty but it doesn't tell the full story!

The final scoreline may not look pretty but it doesn't tell the full story of this entertaining game between a side fighting to stave off relegation and another with the meanest defence in the league still aiming for promotion.

Through a combination of factors, Newark were forced to re-shuffle their team just three hours before kick off with three changes to the starting fifteen and emergency calls to fill the bench. In fact we didn't have a replacement back in the matchday squad. In the second half Matt Christian had to come on at winger following an injury to full back Sam Bell.

And although Moderns ran out winners by three scores, sheer determination earned us a try bonus point through skipper Ben Wells' second try with the last play of the match. There could have been more. Moderns demonstrated just why they've conceded the fewest tries in the league by holding up Newark players over the line on at least three occasions.

But with three games to go we now lie one point above the drop zone with our fate still in our hands.

There were a number of stand out performances.Number eight Josh Stamp caused problems for Moderns all day with his hard running. Sean Denning added his power in the second half and centre Robbie Hunter-Shaw was back to his flying best - making several incursions into Modern's territory and one crowd-pleasing, bone-shuddering tackle to prevent an almost certain try.

Prop Sam Cobb also impressed with a number of big hits and our scrum and line out as a whole was more than a match for the visitors. For the second match running, 17-year-old centre Joshie Waqalevu showed his power and neat handling skills and capped it with his first senior try. Eighteeen-year-old hooker Euan Fern - who made his Newark debut just a few days earlier for the 1st XV - also showed up well in the loose.

Newark started well and had Moderns on the back foot before turning over possession near half way. A deep kick was regained by the Moderns winger who went over near the posts. Moments later a couple of missed tackles led to Moderns' second converted try and with just eight minutes gone we were 14 points down.

But Wells - who clearly enjoyed driving into the Moderns forwards - got us on the score sheet with his first try from a crash ball. Fly half George Leeson converted.

Moderns were probably the smallest team we've played this season. But what they lack in stature they make up for in pace and elusiveness. They have a number of nippy backs that revel in broken play and missed tackles led to their third, converted, try.

Leeson was held up over the line before he touched down following another of his trademark dummies. His conversion out wide made it 12-21.

Newark showed an impressive willingness to attack from anywhere but when one move broke down, Moderns re-gathered and raced through the gap for their fourth try.

Shortly into the second half another Moderns break out put them 12-35 up and some good handling led to another.

At 12-42 it would have been easy to have thrown in the towel but Newark came roaring back when our own fluent handling enabled Waqalevu to force his way over.

Deep into added time Newark were awarded a penalty which Leeson kicked to the corner. The ensuing line out was securely won and a perfect rolling maul led to Wells' second, well deserved try.

Moderns' win leaves them in contention for promotion. But this was also a determined - not to say proud - performance from our 2s.

Tries: Ben Wells (2) George Leeson, Joshie Waqalevu.
Conversions: Leeson (3)