Team triumphs in cup drama

Newark Rugby Club’s 1st XV reached their second final of the season when they beat Mansfield in a hugely tense finish to their Notts Cup clash.

The teams drew 17-17 after 20 minutes of extra-time in the semi-final so Newark won through on an away team rule after both sides had scored three tries at Mansfield’s Eakring Road ground on Saturday.

To add to the drama, Newark gained the place in the final only after Mansfield had missed the chance of a winning conversion to their final try — the kick landing the wrong side after hitting the top of the crossbar.

The lucky rebound for Newark follows the triumph last month when they defeated Mansfield in the semi-finals of the Three Counties Cup.

Newark, under the leadership of centre Ed Collishaw in the absence of scrum-half Danny Coen, started confidently.

But they missed several opportunities and only had a try by Matt Brewer, the flanker, to show for their efforts.

Mansfield had drawn level by half-time through their first try and had a one-man advantage after Newark scrum-half Martin Brummitt was sin-binned for a high tackle.

Newark regained the lead early in the second half through a try from Charlie Claydon. Michael Dobson converted to give the visitors a 12-5 lead.

Mansfield once more fought their way back and levelled two minutes from the end of normal time at 12-12.

Newark thought they had gained the upper hand in extra-time when wing Johnny Statham slithered over for a try only for Mansfield to level in the last moments.

Newark will face Paviors, who beat Moderns, in the final, which is scheduled to be played on Sunday May 11 at Mellish.

It will follow Newark against Scunthorpe in the Three Counties Cup final at Derby on Sunday, April 6.