Newark Rugby Club 1sts and 2nds defeated by Melbourne and Scunthorpe 2nds at the Notts, Lincs & Derbys finals day at Ashfield

Newark Rugby Club endured a disappointing afternoon on Saturday where the 1sts and 2nds suffered defeats at the Notts, Lincs & Derbys finals day at Ashfield.

After the 2nds lost their midday showdown against Scunthorpe 2nds 39-16 in the Shield competition, the 1sts lost 41-16 to Melbourne in the senior final.

Three penalty goals from George Leeson had rewarded Newark’s early enterprise to edge a 9-7 lead, Melbourne having scored the first of their seven tries.

But Melbourne had the better of the exchanges leading up to half-time and took their chances to score four tries to one by lock Nathan Churchill, who burst clear after picking a good line in an excellent attack. Leeson added the conversion.

Melbourne, who led 27-16 at the break, dominated the second half and scored quickly to build on their advantage.

Newark had to defend for long periods and only conceded one more try in a good effort. To the team’s credit, they never gave up and finished looking for another score – centre Matt Walton leading one break-out which ended just short of the Melbourne line.

Typically, the forward drives were led by back-rower Sean Denning who is reluctantly contemplating retirement from playing. He will be much missed for his non-stop energy and on-pitch leadership.

The Newark line-up showed a number of changes from the previous week at West Bridgford. A number of ex-colts stepped up, led by returning students in scrum-half Will Staniforth and lock Oscar Wilby. Dan Woodward also featured off the bench.

Newark 2nds experienced similar fate against more powerful opponents in losing to Scunthorpe 2nds. They grabbed two tries from forwards Nathan Leeson and Mateusz Dogiel to gain some reward in a 43-16 defeat.

The finals concluded Newark’s senior season which has seen the 1sts finish sixth in Midlands Regional Two North, while the 2nds look to be relegated from the Midlands Counties Two East North section.

However, three youth groups are seeking cup glory in the coming week. This Sunday, the under-16s face Kesteven in their county age group final, kick-off 2pm at Kelham Road, while the under-14s go to Derby on the same day to face Sleaford, kick-off 2pm.

The third youth team in finals action sees the under-17s play Paviord at Mansfield next Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm.