Newark second XV are again triumphant, this time against Sleaford rugby club

Newark Rugby Club 2nds enjoyed another solid victory, winning their second in a row, this time away against Sleaford, 30-22.

It was an entertaining game as the lead changed hands five times during the match.

There were some impressive moments of inspiration followed by infuriating sloppiness.

The Newark forward pack were dominant, especially in the front row, as they pushed the Sleaford scrum backward quickly on several occasions.

Props Ben Wells, Sam Cobb, and replacement Gareth Bartsch alongside hooker Haydn Godfrey had strong games for Newark.

Godfrey was especially effective as he tackled like a battering ram throughout the 80 minutes.

There was also a nice moment for the team when 18-year-old winger Johno Armstrong came on as a replacement to join his 22-year brother Ed.

Both of them joined the club with the under-six age group and this was the younger Armstrong’s first senior appearance.

Ed led by example as he put in another impressive performance, single-handedly snuffing out several dangerous Sleaford attacks.

However, Sleaford scored the first try of the match to get the proceedings started.

Some neat passing between Ed Armstrong, winger Tom Partridge and fly-half George Leeson ended with centre Chris Tate ghosting through under the sticks for a try which was converted by Leeson.

Once again players from both sides suffered a series of injuries that disrupted play, both Newark flankers left the field with shoulder injuries.

Sleaford reduced Newark’s lead to four points with a well-struck penalty and then regained the lead immediately following the re-start when some loose tackling and a fortunate bounce of the ball allowed the Sleaford player to win the race to the posts.

The half time score was 15-17.

After the break, Newark were awarded a penalty, which Cox converted, but a turnover enabled the Sleaford fly half to score in the corner from long range.

The conversion from touch made it 22-20 before a strong carry from Harrison Holborn created another penalty that Cox again stroked over.

Then a Champagne mom-ent occurred as Cox neatly flipped the ball through his legs and Ed Armstrong picked it up, dummied a pass to his brother, and raced to the line.

Cox converted to make the final score 30-22.

A spokesman from Newark said the result was in the balance right up until the last whistle.

Nevertheless, it was another victory over a first XV and the Newark side now lies third in the table - level on points with Paviors 2nd XV.

Tonight, the side will be away at Southwell 2nds, only one place separates the squads in what should be a great game, (kick-off 7:30pm).