Regional Two Midlands North: Newark 28 Stoke on Trent 26 match report - Late Ben Jackson try secures comeback win for Newark

A late try earned Newark Rugby Club’s first team victory against Stoke on Trent in another tight Regional Two Midlands North tussle on Saturday.

When lock Ben Jackson dashed over for Newark’s fourth try, it completed a late charge which pulled round a match in which Stoke led 26-16 going into the final stages.

Newark’s other tries in a 28-26 win came from James Brogden, Ovi Gilder and Robbie Hunter-Shaw while Sam Hawkins landed a conversion and two penalty goals.

Newark led early against Stoke when a clever kick through by scrum-half Alex Scott enabled No.8 Brogden to collect the ball and dive over for the first score.

Sam Hawkins missed the conversion but added a penalty to give Newark an early 8-0 lead.

Stoke used their larger and heavier scrum to work their way back into the match with a converted try. The visitors continued to dominate and broke out of defence to score a second converted try.

Despite that, spirited Newark won a penalty in the opposition half, took the ensuing line out and slick hands in the backs sent Gilder over for a good try.

Stoke attacked again and a handling move on their right was assisted by an apparent obstruction to enable a try for which the conversion was missed.

Newark fought back to win a penalty in front of the posts and Stoke, as a consequence, lost a player to a yellow card. The kick was converted by Hawkins which left the home team 19-16 adrift.

The early part of the second half was a tight arm-wrestle before Newark conceded a penalty in front of their posts to not only concede three points but also Scott to a yellow card.

It became worse when a pick up from a scrum by Stoke gave them a try which was converted.

At this stage Stoke were 26-16 ahead and it looked bleak for the home side. However, the Newark side were nothing if not spirited and fought back for a try by Hunter-Shaw after a slick passing move. Hawkins converted to leave Newark within touching range at 26-23.

Newark tails were now up and Stoke were pinned back in their half. A clearing kick was charged down and the ball bobbled over the try line where Jackson made good ground to score the try. The conversion was missed but Newark had won a good match.

The victory ended a five-match losing run to start the league campaign which continues this Saturday at Old Saltleians near Solihull, kick-off 3pm.

Newark 2nds recorded their second league win this season by beating North Hykeham 46-24.

Three tries from Evan Marshall fired Newark Colts into the third round of the national age group competition. A 24-12 win at Hull Ionians brings another away tie in the next round at either West Park Leeds or Aireborough. Ben Doubell also scored a try.

Newark women’s team had a tough trip to Kesteven, losing 50-7.