Colts through to the NLD Cup Semi-Final

NLD Colts Quarter final Cup – Sat 9th March 2024

Corsairs entertained our Colts at Lady bay in a thrilling local derby and a recent rematch with a spot in the NLD Cup semi-finals on the line.
The two teams seemed evenly matched from the outset, with Newark showcasing their early intent as Oscar McCulloch narrowly missed a penalty, rebounding off the posts in the opening minutes. Both sides battled fiercely to gain an early advantage, with Harry Waterhouse's breakout run from 22 to 22 being desperately cleared by the home side.

Moments later, a near certain try for the Corsairs was thwarted by Henry Allen's determined pursuit, denying the rapid Corsairs winger a clear path to the try line with a superb cover tackle. Newark seized the opportunity and opened the scoring, with Henry Allen ultimately capitalising on an overthrown Corsairs lineout on halfway, Oscar Corley's quick reaction and offload to the stampeding Reuben Staines deep into the Corsairs half, offloaded to Joe Doubell who kept the ball alive and passed to Henry Allen to scorch through the Corsairs defence and score under the post, with Oscar McCulloch adding the extra points, putting Newark ahead 0-7.

Despite Corsairs' efforts to level the score, Newark's defence remained resolute until late in the first half when the home team managed to equalise through a period of sustained pressure, bringing the score to 7-7.
Newark went straight back and pinned Corsairs in their 22, however a combination of an excellent defensive kick by their Flyhalf, the gale behind him and a dubious bounce of the ball “out and back into” the field of play led to an fortunate try against the run of play under our posts on the stoke of half time, duly converted 14-7.

As the second half commenced, Newark dominated possession in Corsairs' territory and soon closed the gap, with Henry Allen once again instrumental in advancing the attack. After a failed clearance kick, Allen swiftly capitalised on the opportunity, setting up Mateusz Dogiel for a try on the right side of the posts, narrowing the score to 14-12.

With the game hanging in the balance, Newark stuck to their game plan, seized control and sealed their victory with a well-executed play straight from the training ground. The combination of our three jumpers of Noah Marshall, Calum Rush and Nate Churchill terrorised their lineout all game, following another turnover, Oscar Wilby powered forward, and quick ball movement across the backline found a sprinting Freddie Booth in a prime position and sufficient space to slice through for what turned out to be the decisive try. Oscar McCulloch's successful conversion extended Newark's lead, securing the 14-19 win despite a determined Corsairs side.

In what was a thrilling spectacle, Newark emerged victorious and advanced to the Semi-final of the NLD Cup, setting the stage for another away match against Derby on the 6th April.

Written; Will Syme-Nicholson
Checked; Alan Staines