Scrum-half James Tarbatt leads way in two-try display as Newark beat Matlock 38-24 in Regional 2 North Midlands

Newark Rugby Club’s 1sts recorded an opening day 38-24 win over Matlock in Regional 2 North Midlands thanks to a determined effort which earned a victory by five tries to three on Saturday.

Newark, who travel to Nottinghamshire rivals Paviors this Saturday (kick off 3pm), finished strongly after Matlock had edged ahead 17-14 just after the interval.

Overall, it was a successful start to the new campaign and the tenure of captain Olly Dodders, who has taken over from the long-serving Will Britten.

James Tarbatt scored two of the five tries while his halfback partner George Leeson kicked six out of six. There was also a try for newcomer from Southwell in front-rower Nathan King.

Newark’s other tries came from back-rower James Brogden and wing Ovi Gilder.

A tentative start by the home side allowed the visitors to open up a 10-point lead in the first 12 minutes with a penalty and then a converted try.

It was not until halfway through the first half that Newark got into their stride with a trademark try from Tarbatt, converted by Leeson.

This was followed by a typically forceful run from Gilder to go over on the half hour mark, again converted by Leeson. This gave the home side a slender 14-10 lead at the break.

A poor start to the second half allowed the visitors over under the posts for a soft converted try which gave them the lead back.

However, Newark continued to press and pinned Matlock in their own half with accurate kicking from Leeson and full back, Noah Catley.

The pressure paid off when Brogden forced his way over in the corner after 50 minutes and the impressive Leeson converted from the touch line to take the lead back at 21-17.

After some strong work by the pack in the other corner, King powered over for a bonus point fourth try and Leeson converted to keep his 100% kicking record.

Newark led 28-17 and seemingly had some daylight but the visitors, however, had other ideas and a converted try brought them right back into the game at 28-24 with 10 minutes left.

Newark looked the more likely side to take the points and that seemed certain when Tarbatt broke from 20 out and went over near the posts. Inevitably Leeson converted and then added a penalty with one minute of normal time to go to make the scoreline 38-24.

Newark 2nds, who are at home to Derby this Saturday (3pm), had a narrow 21-17 defeat at Notts Casuals in their opening league game.

The team paid for a slow start but tries from scrum-half Will Staniforth and centre Noah Marshall kept them in the match. Rhys Overland kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Newark 3rds won 52-26 at Ollerton while the colts overcame Paviors at Kelham Road, 31-10.