Newark Colts’ 3 Counties Cup Run Continues

For the second week running, Newark Colts competed in the U18's NLD Cup. This week saw them face off against local rivals Kesteven in the semi-finals on a gloriously sunny day at Kelham Road.
With strong support from both home and away fans, the stage was set for a closely contested match, with a coveted place in the final on the line.
Kesteven kicked off into the wind, and Newark were awarded an early penalty as both sides fought to assert dominance. Charlie North’s brilliant 40m kick found touch, giving Newark a lineout deep in Kesteven’s 5m zone. The throw was cleanly caught, and the resulting maul surged unstoppably toward the try line. Though pulled down just short, a penalty try was awarded, giving Newark a dream start at 7–0.
Unfazed, Kesteven immediately went on the offensive. After a series of phases, they broke through Newark’s defensive line to score their first try, reducing the deficit to 7–5.
Newark responded quickly. From the restart, another expertly executed lineout and driving maul saw Monty Mullins finish the move, restoring Newark’s lead at 12–5.
The game continued to ebb and flow, with Kesteven next to score. A series of penalties near Newark’s 5m line allowed them to execute a training-ground move, resulting in a try and a successful conversion to level the score at 12–12.
As the first half drew to a close, Newark were awarded another penalty, and North’s precise kick edged the home side ahead 15–12 going into halftime.

Second-Half Drama
The second half opened with 20 minutes of intense, hard-fought play as both sides searched for a breakthrough. It was Newark’s Connor Cnockhaert who broke the deadlock, stealing the ball and peeled off a K's maul on their 10m line and charging through the Kesteven defence to score. The try gave Newark a vital two-score cushion at 20–12.
As Kesteven pushed to narrow the gap, the game settled into another tight spell. However, Newark struck again when Toby Waller intercepted a Kesteven pass as they tried to break out of their half. Charlie North added the conversion, extending Newark’s lead to 27–12.
Kesteven continued to press valiantly, but Newark’s defence held firm, turning away wave after wave of attack. The final points of the match came from this defensive effort. With Kesteven pressing hard, Newark forced an error on the 10m line, setting up a final scrum. The Newark forwards, running on fumes after a monumental defensive shift, held their ground.
Daniel Woodward seized the moment, storming forward from the half, evading tackles before offloading to Ollie Brewer. Brewer danced past the final defender to score, sealing the match. North’s conversion put the finishing touch on a 34–12 victory.

Eyes on the Final
With this win, Newark Colts maintain their unbeaten run and secure a place in the NLD Cup final against Mansfield, who triumphed over Corsairs in the other semi-final. The much-anticipated final is scheduled for March 15th.

Written; Will Syme-Nicholson
Checked; Alan Staines