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Newark Rugby Club 1sts defeated at Old Silhillians in Regional 2 North Midlands




Newark Rugby Club 1sts unbeaten run of four matches came to an end at Old Silhillians where the home team held on to win 31-24 in windy conditions.

The Newark team, showing several changes from the previous week, were dealt a blow when scrum-half James Tarbatt was injured in the first half.

Newark scored four tries to gain one bonus point plus an additional point for losing by a score of less than even.

The visitors get over. Image: Jackie Britten Newark Rugby Club (62717508)
The visitors get over. Image: Jackie Britten Newark Rugby Club (62717508)

On a dry and firm pitch with a biting wind in the air hitting from behind the home side in the first-half Newark set off at a trot.

The side recycled through multiple phases but eventually gave up a penalty which allowed Old Silhillians to release the pressure.

After only ten minutes, Oliver Hilliam-Cooke was yellow-carded for a late tackle and Newark were marched back 10 metres for backchat.

The Newark line came under intense pressure and eventually ran out of defenders which enabled the home side to score their first try out on the left.

The try was converted successfully and Newark were determined to bounce back.

Newark got two bonus points despite the loss. Image: Jackie Britten Newark Rugby Club.
Newark got two bonus points despite the loss. Image: Jackie Britten Newark Rugby Club.

Immediately the visitors started to test the Old Silhillian defence and soon won a line out close to the opposition line.

What appeared to be a well-composed rolling maul was penalised for offside and Old Silhillians took the advantage.

Following a midfield ruck, the Old Silhillians’ scrum half darted through a gap and finished after a 40-yard run; a smart try that was subsequently converted.

Newark retaliated with more pressure and after several pick-and-goes near the OS line, Will Murray crashed over from a short distance out but unfortunately, the conversion was missed.

After the restart, Newark came under pressure again but a storming run out of defence from Aloesi Waqalevu helped ease the side’s position.

The home side responded, winning a penalty and going over the line from a short distance before converting.

Newark scrum-half James Tarbatt had to retire with an injured ankle, causing a re-organisation in the side with Potene Rolls-Paewai moving to scrum half and Carson Hepicoming forward to the stand-off spot.

Newark lost on the road. Jackie Britten Newark Rugby Club (62717514)
Newark lost on the road. Jackie Britten Newark Rugby Club (62717514)

Almost immediately, a searching break by Rolls-Paewai allowed Thomas O’Leary to dive over for a try. This signalled for half-time with the home side leaving the field up 21-10.

The second half saw Newark benefitting from the wind and they immediately put the Old Silhillians’ defence on the back foot.

The game went through a period where Newark consistently pressurised, but mistakes cost them dearly.

Eventually, some slick handling put skipper, Will Britten, over and the try was converted.Old Silhillians came back, scoring another converted try.

That left Newark out of contention but they did not give up and responded with a final try that was converted.

It was an important score because it gave Newark two bonus points from the 31-24 defeat. Newark will reflect on missed opportunities for rarely reached the heights of the past few weeks.

They play at Moseley Oak Saturday (Kick-off 3pm).



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