Victory secures county cup treble

Newark Rugby Club have completed a treble over arch-rivals Mansfield to qualify for a third county cup final this season.

After the 1st XV had won semi-final clashes in the Three Counties and Notts Senior Cup competitions, the 2nd XV added another win over Mansfield by winning a Ron Rossin Shield tie 21-19 after extra-time.

After the teams finished 80 minutes at 14-14, Mansfield looked to have the upper hand by scoring early in the first period of extra time.

Newark had lost impetus following a neck injury to captain Alex Jackson late in the second half.

However, they regrouped and were rewarded in extra time when Blood engineered a brilliant individual try by racing over 60 metres to touch down.

Blood, who started the season in the club’s fourth team, burst from a midfield ruck to outsprint the Mansfield cover.

He had been moved to scrum-half only after an injury to the intended No nine, Ollie Bradley, in a schools sevens event on the day of the tie.

Ben Walker added a conversion to complete an excellent individual contribution of 16 points featuring a second-half try, three penalty goals and a conversion.

Newark now meet either Mellish or Paviors in the final of the Shield on Sunday May 11.

On the same day, the club’s 1st XV will be meeting Paviors in the final of the Notts Senior Cup.

Both games will be played at Mellish as part of the county’s cup finals festival.

Newark 1st XV return to league action tomorrow at Kettering, the leaders of Midlands Two East.

A tremendous first half performance earned Newark 2nds a 22-3 lead to continue the good form.

Nick Galinski grabbed two tries near half-time after Alex Statham had opened the scoring following a break from his co-wing.

The other first half try came from Daley Edwards.

Matt Clark added a conversion and his penalty goal in the second half helped keep a resurgent Ashbourne at bay.

A late try from Jon Webster completed the scoring to give Newark a further Pennant victory.