Clinical finishing proves the difference for Newark Rugby Club in defeat to Moseley Oak
Newark gained a try bonus point at Moseley Oak on an afternoon when the Birmingham side took their chances more clinically and completed a double over the Kelham Road team with a 55-28 victory.
Moseley dominated the early exchanges with quick possession and a combination of hard running at a defiant Newark midfield, but their only reward was a penalty.
A good counter-attack led to an excellent break down the wing from Newark’s Alex Scott who was hauled down just short of the line, but Scott Edmed was on hand to gather and dot the ball down for a try, which was excellently converted from close to the touchline by Scott.
The pattern of play in the first 15 minutes was how the game played out.
Both sides mounted attacks and closing in on the try line, only to see a mistake lead to strong, ground-gaining ripostes from the defending team.
The first half was very competitive and entertaining, with both teams keeping the ball in hand and playing to their strengths – Moseley Oak deploying their big runners down the middle and Newark moving it wide at every opportunity.
At half-time Moseley Oak led 22-21 with Newark having scored three tries through Scott Edmed, Alex O’Dell and Alex Scott.
The second-half played out like the first, the biggest difference being that Moseley Oak better capitalised on Newark’s mistakes.
Following an early second-half Moseley Oak try, and with the game still in the balance, Newark put together a series of excellent moves that took them right up to the Moseley Oak try line, only to see a lack of patience and control lead to a handling error, which resulted in a length of the field, try-scoring move from Moseley Oak — effectively a 14-point swing.
The remainder of the second-half went in favour of Moseley Oak, who scored three more tries.
But, to their credit, Newark kept defending and attacking and a good sequence of possession involving Potene saw Carson Hepi go over for a late try, earning Newark a well-deserved bonus point.
The first team now finish their league programme in back-to-back home games against Matlock (March 11) and Leicester Forest (March 18). Both games kick-off at 3pm.
Further matches will be announced in the new RFU Community Cup after the draw is made.
Newark 2nds friendly against Mansfield 2nds was abandoned early into the second-half when a stream of injuries left Newark — already relying on a borrowed Mansfield prop — reduced to 12 men.
Mansfield were winning 38-14 when play ended.