Matlock 52-36 Newark: Fighting first team salvage bonus point after poor start
Newark hadn’t read the script as they suffered a torrid start before eventually finding their feet to salvage a try bonus point in their Midlands Two East North defeat at Matlock.
Newark suffered from a slow start as they found themselves quickly chasing a 26-3 scoreline.
However, a much-changed line-up, improved near half time and fought back to be within two points at 31-29.
Newark’s tries came from fit-again Aloesi Waqalevu, the centre scoring two on his return, and one each from Jonathan Webster, Alex O’Dell and Scott Edmed.
Director of rugby Tim Barker said despite defeat, he was pleased with the positive signs.
“It was a tremendous comeback for Newark to outscore Matlock 26-21 in the second half and the spirit was there for all to see,” said Barker.
“Special mention should be made for second team captain Ben Wells who stepped in to prop and did the full 80 minutes against a powerful Matlock front row.
“Another who stepped in at late notice and didn’t take a backward step was Gareth Bartsch.
“It was great to see Budds back after his enforced lay off and all 18 can be proud of the performance.
“They had just given themselves a bit too much to do, but they certainly gave a strong Matlock side a real fright.”
Newark’s scheduled Notts, Lincs and Derbys Shield match at Kelham Road against Bourne has been cancelled.
The 1sts return a week on Saturday at home to Melbourne.
The game was competitive for the first 15 minutes but then the strong-running Matlock clicked into gear and some poor tackling saw the hosts run in four unanswered tries, three of which were converted to give them a convincing 26 -3 lead.
Good pressure and a string of penalties against Matlock gave O’Dell the chance to put the powerful Jonathan Webster over near the posts.
O’Dell added the extras and there was a glimmer of hope at 26-10.
Matlock fought back and on the stroke of half-time went over for a fifth try to make it 31-10 and seemingly no way back for the visitors.
However, Newark hadn’t read that script and with captain for the day, Jaymie Duncan, leading from the front, Will Ellison carrying strongly and the backs running some great lines there was hope.
Talisman Aloesi Waqalevu on his return from a serious arm injury was put over for the first of his two tries. That was quickly followed by pacey Josh Ashe rounding his opposite number and feeding O’Dell who was running the supporting line on his inside. O’Dell converted his own try to make it 31-22. Surely not?
Almost immediately from the re-start Newark put pressure on the hosts and fly half George Leeson broke through 2 Matlock defenders, freed his hands and fed Waqalevu on his inside for the centre to dive over near the posts.
O’Dell converted to make the score 31-29, with 19 unanswered points and a 4 try bonus point secured.
Matlock reverted to their tried and tested power game and added a converted try to make it 38 - 29 with 20 minutes to go.
Could Newark dig deep a second time? Matlock were pressing hard on the Newark 22 but pressure from the Newark defensive line saw a loose pass intercepted by winger Scott Edmed who pinned his ears back and out sprinted the cover defence to run in from 70 meters.
Again O’Dell converted and again it was a 2 point ball game at 38 - 36 with 10 minutes to go.
Unfortunately for the visitors they could not give themselves another scoring chance and disappointingly Matlock notched up two more converted tries to give them a somewhat flattering final score line of 52 -36.
Newark 2nds won 33-19 away to Matlock 2nds.
A mix of experience, led by veterans in Dave Garland and Richard Byrom, plus seven colts earned a noteworthy Pennant win at Matlock.
Newark led 21-0 at half time thanks to tries from Tom Partridge, Chris Tate and Alex Scott who also landed three conversions.
Matlock responded after half time but Newark kept ahead thanks to a try from Byrom, following a break by Rhys Overland and a second from Scott who also converted.
Newark’s colts were Will Alexander, Alex Tusher, Ben Jackson, Adam Monaghan who made their debuts plus Tom Farrell, Archie Burford and Rafa Ruiz.
Newark Colts beat Lincoln 53-17, including a debut score for 16-year-old Joshi Waqalevu, son of the club’s veteran centre Alosei Waqalevu.
The colts are at home to Kesteven on Sunday (11am kick-off).
