On a gloriously sunny spring morning Newark u14's kicked off their first friendly game of year and season against West Bridgford.

The game started ominously for Newark as WB ran in two tries thanks to some barnstorming runs by their powerful centre Olly B.

But once Newark woke up they began to play some good structured rugby albeit a lack of control at the ruck often wasted quality procession. When the ball was controlled, especially by Sam H, Mateusz D powered through the WB defence to score a brace in quick succession.

The pace and power in the Newark backs led to further tries which would have been one more had Smorgie W realised he had run over the try-line and touched it down as opposed to passing it!

This was the first match played with conversions being attempted and Oscar M was on good form for Newark.

Of particular note was how well Arran W and Will T played having just joined the squad post-2nd lockdown.

The final scoreline did not do WB justice, as in a game of 4x 15min quarters Newark's large match-day squad, (which was swelled by a number drafted in in-case WB needed some substitutes), was always going to have the edge in terms of stamina and after a close first half Newark began to pull away.

All the players on both sides acquitted themselves well and upheld the values of the game that we have missed for far too long.

Roll on Paviours next week...

Written by David Hayle
Checked by Lorna Swain