A tough game was expected as Newark are one of the stronger teams at this age group.

After a briefing on the new scrum engagement sequence the game kicked off. A couple of early loose kicks into midfield were punished by the strong running Newark backline. But once Kesteven kept possession they competed well with Newark at the breakdown and set piece. Newark ran in a couple more tries before half time, making good use of the space on the pitch.

The second half was far more competitive with Kesteven enjoying an equal amount of possession with the hosts. Jack Pirie made a storming run and scored under the posts. This gave the Kesteven side confidence and they enjoyed their best period of the match scoring two more tries both through strong runs from Pirie.

Newark came back again and scored two more tries, one through the middle following a break from their scrum half and another out wide following some good handling.

This was a tough opening game and showed there is plenty to work on but it was played in excellent spirit and enjoyed by both sides. Final score was 41 – 19 to Newark.

Squad was: Addlesee, Archer, Bacon, Cant, Desmond, Donnelly, Eagle, Green, Kershaw, Lewicki, Moore, Norsworthy, Parker, Pirie, Shelbourn, Simpson, Sweeney, Thomas, Whinney, Wright, Max.