Newark lost 47-3 at Regional Two North Midlands leaders Lichfield on Saturday

Newark’s winning run of three games came to an abrupt halt at Regional Two North Midlands leaders Lichfield on Saturday.

After back-to-back wins over Walsall, Mellish and Paviors, the 1sts travelled aiming to give Lichfield a run for their points.

However, the trip proved a disappointing end to the year but there were no complaints on the day as Newark were defeated 47-3.

Fly half George Leeson did put Newark ahead early on but that seemed to galvanise the home team who moved the ball at pace.

Their attacks were usually instigated by their hugely influential No.8. They quickly scored three tries and led 19-3 heading towards half time.

The travelling Newark supporters felt that we were still in this game. However, an interception try with the last play of the first half to make the score 26-3 at the break had a disheartening effect on players and supporters alike.

Newark, now against the conditions, pressed hard in the second half but could not force a breakthrough.

Lichfield defended their line well and Newark could not find a way through. It has to be said that the Newark error count was too high but this was largely due to the pressure exerted.

They added another three tries in the second half and although Newark never gave up, on the day they were beaten by a better side.

On a positive note there were 1st XV debuts for former colt Joe Doubell at centre and prop Will Hosking. Both showed up well and the set-piece functioned credibly but on the day it was not enough.

The defeat leaves Newark in sixth place when league games resume on Saturday, January 4 at home to Old Saltleians, kick off 2.15pm.

Newark 2nds had a major boost by winning a second league match of the season, against Ashfield, 51-24.

The match was a double-header and the team are now into the second round of the NLD Cup.

The victory lifts the team out of the relegation places and puts them in good heart for the second-half of the league programme.

Fly half Matt Cox kicked 11 points while backs Calum Holmes and Ovi Gilder scored two tries each. One each came from Tom Partridge, Mateusz Dolgiel, Robbie Hunter-Shaw and Nathan Leeson.

Southwell were beaten 32-20 at Market Rason & Louth in Counties 1 Midlands East (North).

They return to action on January 4 at home to Manor Park.