Newark bounce back with a win over Sutton Coldfield in the The Regional Two North Midlands Division

Four first-half tries wowed the crowd as Newark 1sts ran out 27-22 winners over Sutton Coldfield in an attacking show of rugby at Kelham Road.

A packed ground observed a minute’s silence in honour of life member John Harris who recently died at the age of 92.

The win followed a close loss against league leaders Long Eaton last week and was Newark’s fourth victory of the season.

The Regional Two North Midlands match saw Newark attack from the first whistle as the backs again turned it on for the home side.

Wings John Ashe and Scott Edmed both followed up from the match against Long Eaton as they each again got on the scoreboard for Newark.

Scrum-half James Tarbatt pounced in the 12th minute as he surprised the visitors’ defence and put the first try on the board for Newark.

Sutton Coldfield responded to that first by scoring two in close succession down the right flank.

The back and forth heralded a loose first-half that brought five more tries in a giddy 40 minutes.

A sweet pass, flicked behind his back, from fly-half Potene Rolls-Paewai, released Edmed on the left in a move which ended a try for Matt Walton.

Newark continued to play attacking rugby even after being countered by the visitors.

The attacking edge was maintained in the closing minutes of the half with full-back Alex Scott bursting clear to start an interchange between Edmed and Ashe which ended in a try for Ashe.

On the other wing, Edmed burst away from inside his own half, following a breakdown of a visiting attack, to race in for Newark’s fourth try.
Newark led 22-10 at half-time which gave them a cushion to withstand a tighter second-half where the visitors came back to grab losing bonus points.

Sutton Coldfield came out and posted the first try after the break, a good effort mid-way through the second-half.

As the lead was reduced to 22-17, Newark were in danger of allowing the lead to slip but the victory was secured by Ashe’s second try to keep them clear of their opposition who scored a fourth from a further period of pressure.

Newark continued to attack in the closing stages when prop Josh White was held up over the line.

Overall, it was an encouraging afternoon for the Newark team who are now seventh in the table after a solid start to their season.

Newark will next travel away to Melbourne for their game on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm).