Newark 19 Dronfield 39: Regional Two Midlands North match report
Newark could not build on a good first half against a strong Dronfield team who dominated after the interval to win 39-19 in Regional Two Midlands North in front of a good crowd at Kelham Road.
Tries from No.8 Sean Denning and wing Henry Allen put Newark ahead and raised hopes of a surprise win to continue their recent good form on Saturday.
Newark led 12-10 at the interval but a poor start to the second half handed the momentum to Dronfield.
Denning had crashed over from short range after a searching kick to the corner from George Leeson following Newark winning good possession at a line-out.
A fast follow-up from Henry Allen pressured the Dronfield full-back who threw a loose ball which was pounced on by Newark, ending in Denning forcing his way over.
Dronfield evened the score after 20 minutes following a five-metre line-out. After two more phases they went over near the posts and the conversion gave them a 7-5 lead.
Newark were pressing hard and another long kick from Leeson was followed up by Matt Walton who pinned the full-back in his own in goal area and forced a five-metre scrum.
The scrum, which was solid all afternoon, secured ball and a neat wrap around from Leeson put full-back Noah Catley into space and he was able to put Allen over. Leeson converted to give Newark a deserved 12-7 lead.
This looked to be the half-time score but a needless penalty was conceded just before the break which Dronfield gratefully accepted to make it 12-10.
The second half was a different story and three Dronfield tries in fairly quick succession gave the scoreline an altogether different look.
The first was from a rolling maul following a five-metre line-out, the second was a simple inside ball following a clear line break and the third was even more frustrating for the home fans as it was from a scrum 30 metres out.
Newark secured ball, but seemed to over-complicate in midfield and the ball went loose. Dronfield were onto it first and went right with an overlap which allowed their winger to dummy and end up under the posts. The score was now 29-12.
To their credit, Newark never gave up and from another good scrum near the Dronfield line scrum-half James Tarbatt charged down their clearance kick. The ball was loose in their in goal area but the bounce favoured the visitors and they were able to dot down for a goal line drop out.
With 10 minutes to go, Newark forced a penalty inside the Dronfield 22 and a quick tap saw the ball being moved quickly right where Walton found captain Olly Dodders cutting a strong line to go over.
The conversion from Leeson made it 29-19 and in sight of either a losing bonus point or a try bonus point. However, Dronfield finished on the attack and grabbed a late try to deny Newark any bonus points.
Newark now visit Walsall on Saturday before the final league match at home this season, against Mellish on March 22.
Newark 2nds had another disappointing result, losing 57-0 at Boston’s first team.
The club’s colts and women’s team had encouraging wins.
The colts, preparing for a county cup final against Mansfield on Saturday, March 15, won 34-10 away to Kesteven.
The women’s team continued their improving form by beating league leaders Lutterworth 24-5 at Kelham Road.
Newark scored four tries, including two from centre Dee McKenzie. Scrum-half Ella Turlukowsky and full-back Holly Dews also scored one each. The team host Gainsborough this Sunday at Kelham Road, kick-off 2pm.
