Club aims for trophy double
Two of Newark Rugby Club’s loyal servants have the chance on Sunday to grab some cup glory after missing out on the triumph last month in the Three Counties competition.
Michael Dobson and Martin Brummitt look set to play in the Notts Cup final against Paviors at Mellish, which gives Newark the chance of recording the double for the first time since 1988.
Dobson, the former captain, is expected to return at outside-half after illness ruled him out of the win against Scunthorpe in the Notts, Lincs and Derbys Cup last month at Derby.
It will be his first competitive game for a month while Brummitt, a substitute at Derby, is expected to start on the wing after finishing the season at outside-half in the absence of Dobson.
Newark field the bulk of the team that defeated Scunthorpe though flanker Lewis Cove, the club’s player-of-the-year, is unavailable.
Matt Brewer, whose selection at centre caused Brummitt to miss out on the Three Counties final, is expected to start in his usual position of flanker in the absence of Cove.
Newark will need to reproduce their best form to overcome Paviors. The clubs have met twice in Midlands Two East this season with the verdict going to the visiting team each time.
The clubs also meet in the final of the Ron Rossin Shield for the 2nd teams before the main game at Mellish.
Another tight game is expected with Alex Jackson’s 2nd team also looking to complete a double, having finished top of the Security Plus Notts Pennant, seven points clear of Paviors.
Newark’s 3rd XV finished runners-up in their Pennant section, seven points behind champions Mellish, and the 4th XV, in their debut season, were fourth in their group behind Derby Vets.
Newark Colts, runners-up in the Notts, Lincs and Derbys Cup, finish their season tonight by hosting a Welsh touring team, Vardre from Swansea, at Kelham Road, kicking-off at 7.30pm.
Two Newark players were in the Notts, Lincs and Derbys squad that lost 22-21 to Leicestershire at Kelham Road on Saturday.
Shaun May, the versatile forward, played a full part while Matt Brewer made a second-half appearance as a substitute.
The NLD squad finish their campaign tomorrow against Staffordshire at Stafford.
