Newark Rugby Club beat the conditions and their opponents

Regional Two Midlands North
Newark 49 Old Saltleians 10

Newark bossed this classic relegation encounter against their Birmingham based opponents from the start to run out convincing winners on a day when the club beat the weather to stage the match. Thanks to David Pick and his helpers the Kelham Road pitch was very playable only a few days after the River Trent had engulfed the ground.

The 1sts responded by putting on one of their best displays of the season to record a third league win which closes the gap on fellow relegation battlers in Belgrave and Matlock. For once, Newark made a good start and dominated the contest. The excellent Ed Clayton started the try scoring early on by finishing off after good early pressure with Sam Hawkins in good kicking form, slotting 17 points in all, Newark took most of their chances as well.

Hawkins added an early penalty before Ovi Gilder dashed over in the left corner for the first of his two tries 10 minutes into the half for a 15-0 lead. Old Saltleians did respond by putting together enough pressure for a forward-driven try which reduced the deficit. However, a second penalty from Hawkins put Newark 18-5 ahead at the interval. 

The second half began to open up 10 minutes in following a third Hawkins penalty. A speculative kick forward was fumbled by the Old Salts defence which allowed Ollie Brewer to pounce on the right wing. With Hawkins adding the conversion, Newark were clear at 28-5 and were able to withstand the loss of Clayton to a yellow card.

The best try of the match followed when Gilder latched onto a smart interchange between Hawkins and substitute Noah Catley to race clear from 60 metres out. That score brought up a bonus point for Newark and big cheer from watching supporters. Further tries late on from full-back Evan Marshall and captain Matt Walton completed a good day for the Newarkers.

The man-of-the-match award went to lock Jamie Robson in a good team performance. Shout outs to an eager back line and back-rower Connor Cnockeart.

Next up is a trip to Matlock next Saturday (21 feb), kick off 2.15pm. All supporters welcome.

Newark team: Marshall; Brewer, Waqalevu, Waller, Gilder; Hawkins, Walton (capt); Godfrey, Vinters, Wilson, Jackson, Robson, Clayton, Cnockaert, Brogden. 
Subs: Ashton, Churchill, Catley.
Tries: Clayton, Gilder (2), Brewer, Marshall, Brewer. Conversions: Hawkins (4), Catley. Penalty goals: Hawkins (3).

Credit Newark RUFC for the report and Richard Laurent for the photos.