Newark 8 West Bridgford 31: Regional Two North Midlands match report

Newark Rugby Club’s first team were brought back down to earth in a tough home encounter against West Bridgford at Kelham Road on Saturday.

After back-to-back wins over Tamworth and Ilkeston, the Newarkers found Bridgford too strong despite working tirelessly as they were beaten 31-8 in Regional Two North Midlands.

For only the second time this season Newark failed to gain a bonus point, though they remain in sixth place in Regional Two North Midlands of the RFU structure.

Newark fielded a squad against Bridgford that showed seven changes from the group that beat Ilkeston two weeks ago.

Though there were some strong individual performances, there were too many unforced errors against a well-drilled Bridgford.

The team did make a bright start and were rewarded when George Leeson kicked a penalty. However, this was quickly cancelled out when the visiting fly half broke blind and beat one defender to put his centre away for a clear run into the corner.

Despite plenty of possession, Newark could not break down a strong defence. This was compounded halfway through the half when Bridgford’s man-of-the-match Calum Gunn executed a simple wrap around that bought him enough space to put his full back away and, although he was stopped short of the line, he was able to feed his winger who went over.

At 14-3 down, Newark certainly felt that they were in the game but as is often the case, the next score was always going to prove decisive.

Unfortunately, it was the visitors who forced their way over with an unstoppable rolling maul on the stroke of half-time for a 21-3 lead.

The second half proved to be a tight affair with only a Bridgford penalty until the last couple of minutes.

Newark were awarded a penalty on the visiting 22 and scrum-half Will Staniforth tapped and went, making good ground before feeding Will Ellison who drove on to be stopped just short. Ellison was still able to find replacement prop Mateusz Dogiel in support and the young forward was able to force his way over for his second try in as many matches.

Bridgford finished on top when their full back broke wide and although brought down short, he was able to find his centre on the inside. Again, the faultless Gunn converted.

Next up for Newark is another match against a top four team at Dronfield on Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.

Newark 2nds, who host Boston this Saturday, also had a tough afternoon, losing 48-7 at Gainsborough.

The club’s senior women’s squad fared much better on Sunday, posting a high-scoring 31-31 draw at home to Sileby Town.

The encouraging result continues a good season which has also brought the team three wins in six matches.

Fly half Emilie Rathbone contributed two tries and one each came from halfback partner Ella Turlukowsky and wing Jen Lucas.