Old Saltleians 33 Newark 26: Regional Two Midlands North match report

Newark Rugby Club’s first team gained two bonus points despite losing 33-26 at Old Saltleians in Regional Two Midlands North.

The visitors were hit by injuries as a second-half comeback from Old Saltleians saw them triumph by five tries to four.

A good first half, playing with the conditions, brought three tries and a half-time lead of 21-7. However, injuries to Olly Dodders and Ovi Gilder left the team fighting an uphill battle in the second half.

Gilder, who scored two tries before going off, started at full-back in a team including another newcomer from the colts squad in Lenny Coen, who scored on his debut, and a further appearance for Evan Marshall at centre.

The narrow defeat continues some close calls in recent weeks, bringing victory over Stoke at Kelham Road last week following on from another agonising loss at Melbourne.

Though Newark set off positively, Old Saltleians scored first when clever handling in the backs enabled their centre to slice through the defence for a try which was promptly converted.

Newark replied quickly when they won possession and counter-attacked to set Coen free to score his debut try. The conversion was kicked by Gilder who struck again through a try himself following a powerful run. He converted his own try to put his team 14-7 up.

Newark continued to press and sharp handling in the backs released Gilder for his second try, this time from short range. Unfortunately, he was injured in the process and had to leave the field shortly afterwards, being replaced by Nathan Leeson.

The try was well converted from out wide by flanker Tom O'Leary to give Newark a 21-7 lead at half-time.

Despite playing into the strong wind, Newark started brightly but Old Saltleians soon turned the tables, setting their right winger free to score under the posts. The try was converted.

Newark fought back and a strong run by Haydn Godfrey enabled Josh Waqalevu to dot the ball down for a try but the conversion was missed.

The game flowed from end to end and a kick through by Old Saltleians was caught by their winger who scored the try which was converted.

Insult was added to injury when an Old Saltleians player intercepted a pass in the Newark backs and only had to run in to score a try which was easily converted.

It left Old Saltleians 28-26 ahead and Newark then pressed hard for a score. The hosts defended well and Newark were unable to capitalise on their pressure.

Old Saltleians won a penalty in midfield and put the kick into the right corner for a line out. The ball was won and Newark were unable to halt the rolling maul crossing for the try which sealed the match.

The squad now take a break next weekend and will regroup before facing Walsall at Kelham Road on Saturday, November 8, at the earlier winter kick-off time of 2.15pm.

Newark Colts kept on the winning path by beating Grimsby, 49-7, last Friday night at Kelham Road. Sid Harris contributed three tries and Tom Buton-Wareing two. Other try scorers were Elliot Ball, Zac Curson, Elliot Matthews and Nick Oldacre.

The colts team enjoyed a good start to the season and travel to Leeds-based Aireborough in the third round of the national age group competition on November 16. This follows wins over Lincoln and Hull Ionians.