Newark's season ended in something of a dead rubber of a match with neither side aiming for promotion or fighting relegation and with much important rugby matters taking place over in Birmingham.

That said, it's never nice to lose to our local rivals, even more so by a margin of 22 points.

However, the final score wasn't a true reflection of the game and flattered Southwell. Admittedly they had most of the territory in the second period but they only secured victory in the last 15 minutes when they ran in several tries as Newark began to wilt in the heat and the dust. Indeed, Newark had gone into the break with a seven point lead.

Winger George Nicholson had already made two strong runs deep into Southwell territory before his third ended in a try. Second row Finn Bennett went on a burst from a line out, breaking several tackles before the powerful Nicholson was able to cross the line. Fly half Rhys Overland added the conversion.

Southwell initially struggled to match Newark's energy with the visitors retaining possession through multiple phases. However once the Red Men were able to get their hands on the ball, they put together several phases of their own before scoring their first try.

Newark centres Martin Pezet and Ed Armstrong showed up well with Pezet making a couple of strong runs and Armstrong once again demonstrating his usual fierce commitment in defence. Nicholson then added his second after fielding a clearance kick. He initially ran across the field before straightening and breaking through several tackles. He was tackled close to the line but had enough momentum to stretch out and ground the ball. Overland's conversion gave Newark a nine point lead.

Southwell hit back with a try after some more multi phase play but an Overland penalty made it 10-17 at half time.

Southwell came out strongly in the second half , scoring early on before Overland pounced on an overthrown line out and pirouetted his way through a tackle for a try which made it 15-22.

Sadly, that was the last Newark score. A harsh yellow card for Armstrong left Newark hanging on in the heat although they managed to restrict Southwell to just five points during the centre's enforced absence.

But from then on it was essentially one way traffic with the Red Men running in four unanswered tries as a clearly exhausted Newark side began to tire and run out of steam.

So ends a challenging season with Newark finishing in fourth place - two places above Southwell. At times it has been a challenge to field a full side but apart from one occasion we were able to honour the fixtures with some veterans answering SOS calls.

Tries George Nicholson (2) Rhys Overland
Conversions: Overland (2)
Penalties : Overland