Newark beaten 60-40 by Bridgford in Papa Johns RFU Cup despite fighting back from 24-0 down at one stage

Newark produced another commendable effort in playing a full part in an excellent contest, going down 60-40 on a hard pitch at Bridgford in the end-of-season Papa Johns RFU Cup.

Bridgford were clearly out for revenge having lost the recent league game, 52-26. At one stage it looked to be a wasted trip when Bridgford forced their way into a 24-0 lead midway into the first half.

However, Newark fought back to give Bridgford the hurry up and at one stage in the second half had a smell of victory in reducing the margin to 31-28.

But Bridgford had the legs to win by nine tries to six for a place in the third round and a tie against Old Brodleians or Morley.

Newark’s effort was underpinned by the hard work of their forwards led by captain Olly Dodders and fellow back-rower Sean Denning.

Dodders, helped off in the second half following another brave run, scored Newark’s first try after Bridgford looked to be set for an easy afternoon having built that early lead.

The try by Dodders gained Newark momentum which was continued when full-back Noah Catley burst onto a lovely pass from Joshie Waqalevu to score a second try.

A fourth try for Bridgford gave them a half-time lead of 31-14 which was cut further early after the break when Ovi Gilder shot clear for Newark’s third.

And when Henry Allen finished off following James Tarbatt’s escape from his own half, an unlikely win looked possible as Bridgford led only 31-28.

In hindsight, Newark should have taken a kickable penalty minutes after Allen’s try but the decision to look for further tries gave Bridgford the opportunity to scurry back down the other end for a further score.

The home team then had the upper hand, interspersed by the latest scoring endeavours of scrum-half Elliott Paley, who scored two more tries to add to his impressive appearances in the last month. His second was a pearl, dashing clear off the back of a line-out.

Overall, the squad deserved the applause at the end for having stuck to their task against a bigger team.

Defeat means the 1sts finish their season this Saturday against Melbourne in the Notts, Lincs & Derbys Cup at Ashfield RUFC, kick-off 4pm. The 2nds play at noon, against Scunthorpe 2nds, in another county final.