Newark Rugby Club spreads awareness of World Down Syndrome day and scores a 43-33 victory over Leicester Forest

Newark Rugby Club 1sts donned odd socks to help promote World Down Syndrome Day while securing a resounding 43-33 victory over Leicester Forest at Kelham Road.

Socks are used as the symbol for the cause because chromosomes are shaped like socks and people with Down Syndrome have an extra one.

Around one in every 1000 babies born will have Down Syndrome and there are some 40,000 people in the UK with the condition at present.

The 11th win of the campaign sealed a commendable sixth place overall in a season that saw Newark compete in the Midlands Division Regional Two North League for the first time.

The club has achieved its season goal of a good mid-table finish with some solid wins in the campaign.

Newark, who won the match against Forest 28-24 back in October, this time won by six tries to five including three from back-rower James Brogden.

Other scorers were Ovi Gilder, Alex O’Dell, and Olly Doders.

In front of a large and vocal crowd, Newark won a tight game against strong opposition.

The side has played some fantastic attacking rugby which has delighted supporters.

The season is far from over for the 1sts as the draw for the new RFU Community Cup should be known early next week.

Newark 2nds also secured a good win against Ollerton as they won by 32-21 on the road.

Ben Wells took his squad to Ollerton expecting a hard game and knowing that a win was needed to keep league title hopes fully within grasp of the Newark team.

Ollerton were big and used their forwards to punch holes wherever possible in the Newark line providing a challenge for the visiting defence.

Fly-half George Leeson had a good day with the boot. hitting three conversions and two penalties while also contributing a try of his own.

The league title is the obvious goal for the club’s 2nds and it is now firmly in Newark’s hands.

With just two games remaining and a total of ten points still possible, the side know this is no time to take their foot off the gas.

The team will next travel to Worksop on Saturday before heading to Paviors the following Saturday (both 3pm).