Newark 75-0 Loughborough: First team flawless at Kelham Road in biggest league win this term

Newark Rugby Club's first team returned to winning ways in an emphatic manner at windy Kelham Road against Loughborough.

It was a memorable afternoon for wing Josh Ashe who collected four tries and three conversions in the 75-0 win.

However, it was not all glory — Ashe won’t want to be reminded about the pass he dropped from Aloesi Waqalevu which would have brought a fifth late on.

His impressive try tally continued a good autumn for the wing whose pace has given the team a big impetus alongside full-back James Archdale and the contributions of the ever-young Waqalevu, captain Will Britten and former captain in Chris Tate.

There was also a first club try from wing Scott Edmed who started the 11-try-to-nil victory by scoring first.

Tate, a second-half substitute, finished the afternoon by scoring the 11th try in the final moments.

It was converted by scrum-half Alex O’Dell who also contributed a try in the first half and seven conversions.

Up front, Newark showed plenty of aggression led by Jaymie Duncan who scored two second-half tries to go alongside one from hooker Jamie Vinters.

They were well backed up by back-rowers in fit-again Jono Webster, Sean Denning and Josh Codd.

The able substitutes were Sam Cobb and Akaash Bagga.

Codd and Cobb are members of the team’s younger brigade including props Josh White and Jordan Hempstead with Will Ellison at lock playing a full part.

Newark started well and never really allowed Loughborough too much of a say in the first half which ended in a 33-0 scoreline.

To the credit of Loughborough, they never gave up and had more possession in the second half.

Newark’s reward for victory was to bring a leap back up the league table into second place, three points behind leaders Melbourne and ahead of third-placed Long Eaton on points difference.

With no fixture on November 13, Newark 1sts are net in action on November 20 away to Market Rasen, kick off 2.15 (tbc).

Elsewhere in the division, Southwell, who have enjoyed a strong start, dropped points at home to Matlock drawing 12-12.

Southwell 2nds had more joy, beating Matlock 2nds 24-20.