Ashbourne 12 -24 Newark: Pacey Newark race to victory in final Midlands Two East North away trip

Newark Rugby Club’s first teamers continued their winning ways thanks to some clinical try scoring in their Midlands Two East North triumph over Ashbourne.

Victory by four tries to two keeps the team in a healthy fourth position with one match remaining, at home to Ashby on April 23.

Newark made hard work of the win though and needed some typical slick play to keep a tenacious home team in check.

A visit to Derbyshire brought mixed weather but some good rugby from both teams.

If Newark had maintained tighter control and a better line-out they could well have won by more.

Flanker Alex Tuscher had an excellent debut, the Colt contributing the final try to seal victory in a display that included a try-saving tackle in the first half. Substitute Max Fairlie was another Colt included in the squad for the first time.

Newark were never headed and two tries in the opening quarter — from wing Josh Ashe and back-rower Sam Dobson — looked to have established control.

However, Ashbourne did not allow Newark to settle after those scores and grabbed a try before half-time to cut the lead.

The second-half was pretty level and it needed some slick play, led by Ashe and Scott, to open up the Ashbourne defence again, finishing in Rhys Overland scuttling over in the left corner.

Ashbourne, like the first-half, remained competitive and their second try, after Newark failed to clear the ball meant for some worried visiting faces.

The concern was eventually lifted in the final minutes following a good period of pressure triggered by Overland’s kick and chase into the home 22.

Tuscher, who had played a full part in a terrific back row effort alongside Jonathan Webster and Sam Dobson, used his speed and strength to burst through the final line of defence for Newark’s fourth.

Newark take a week off for Easter and return to finish the season on Saturday, April 23, against at Ashby at Kelham Road (kick off 3pm).

The final senior match of the season is scheduled to be Saturday, April 30, against Market Rasen, in the semi-final of the Notts, Lincs & Derbys at Kelham Road.

The 2nd side also won, beating Paviors 2nds 50-21. Colt Tom Farrell contributed three tries and one each came from Max Spurr, Raff Ruiz, Ben Daniels, Ed Armstrong and Man Lun. Billy Charles added five conversions.

Tonight, the annual challenge match of Vets versus Virgins, returns at 7.30pm.