Kesteven cant find a way around Newark

Kesteven fielded a strong squad and looked forward to the game. Initial exchanges were a bit nervy with Kesteven slowly becoming accustomed to the pace of the Newark side. They defended well early on but after 13 minutes a penalty that failed to find touch was run back by the Newark back division who finished off with a god try. The conversion failed but first blood went to the Notts side.

A long kick through by Galloway, chased down by Whittaker gave Kesteven their first bit of territory but they were unable to capitalise before Newark added to their tally with a second try again from quick possession and a clean break by their centre to go over just to the left of the posts. This time the conversion was good. Kesteven had the chance of a quick response but a penalty from Galloway hit the post and stayed out.

Newark exerted sustained pressure and after K's conceded a couple of penalties in quick succession, Sam Durrance was yellow carded for a ruck offence on 30 minutes. Newark took advantage and added a third try shortly after. Tom Webster retired with an injury to be replaced by Daniel Turner. Durrance returned just before the break and Kesteven responded with their best spell of the match. Newark were in trouble at the set scrums as the Kesteven pack dominated. Three quick scrums all resulted in Newark coughing up penalties as the Kesteven pack drove them over the line. The third time saw the referee award Kesteven a penalty try under the posts as Tony Woolerton grounded the ball. Galloway converted to cut the deficit to 10 points at the break.

The first score in the second half was always going to be important. The Kesteven pack continued to put pressure on the Newark side but they were able to rescue possession with some great off loads and quick passing. This tested the Kesteven defence and Will Young suffered what looked to be a severe knock 5 minutes after the break. After a long stoppage Ingram came on as replacement but just as K's were reorganising Newark took advantage and ran in their 4th try to extend the lead to 22 - 7, followed shortly after by their fifth to take the game away from Kesteven.

K's freshened up the side with Purvis, Rob Cann and Odams coming on to replace Cowley, Hayward and Sayle. With 20 minutes left Newark scored a 6th try to take the lead to 34 - 7. Kesteven did have some periods of pressure and had the Newark pack in trouble at times but were unable to capitalise. Newark had one player sin binned for a trip on Ingram but try as they were unable to make the extra man count.

Draper and Durrance retired to be replaced by Webster and Hayward and just at the end Newark put a seal on the proceedings with a final converted try to take the final score to 43 - 7.

There can be no doubt that Newark deserved their win, Their support play and quick passing and off load game created space for their backs to run in the tries, however Kesteven can hold their heads high. The pack with Sheardown Hayward and Cowley in impressive form took great credit for the way they dominated the set scrums. Pert and Sayle made some great runs while the back row of Durrance Webster and Woolerton played their hearts out. Turner added an extra dimension to the K's attack when he came on. In the backs Draper distributed well and played a big part with his cover defence, Galloway kept the line moving well and was always ready to look for the break while Will Cann and James Goodrich found it difficult to escape a tight Newark defence. The normal strength of the K's attack, the back three of Young, Taylor and Whittaker never really got moving, never really getting that extra inch of space they needed. It was a good match played in good spirit.

Team: A Whittaker, W Young, J Goodrich, W Cann, K Taylor; C Galloway, A Draper; R Sheardown, D Hayward, J Cowley, W Pert, M Sayle, T Webster, S Durrance, T Woolerton

Replacements D Turner, R Cann, S Odams, G Purvis, A Ingram.

Newark's Match Report: CLICK HERE