Newark men go down to defeat number six

The Newark Hockey Club men’s 1st XI went down to their sixth successive league defeat in East Midlands One as they were beaten 4-2 at home by Ramgarhia on Saturday afternoon at the Magnus Sports Centre.

Newark’s torrid time continued as quick early goals from a decent yet beatable Ramgarhia side give the Derby visitors their points.

The first half saw Newark concede three relatively soft goals to put Ramgarhia in a commanding position going into the break, but half-time words from captain Ben Brown and coach Keith Taylor saw the home side improve dramatically.

Newark were given a glimmer of hope when, after a spell of pressure, Ben Brown managed to finish off a close range effort to get his second goal of the campaign.

Just when Newark were getting on top, Ramgarhia struck the killer blow to make it 4-1, but the hosts rallied towards the end and Adam Reynolds calmly lifted the ball over the Ramgarhia keeper after his initial shot had been well saved.

Although disappointed with the result, the performance was much improved on the previous week and Newark will be more determined than ever to get a result at fellow strugglers Derwent tomorrow in their last game before the Christmas break.

There was better news for the ladies’ 1st XI in their Notts Cup match at home to Nottingham University 4ths as they strolled to a 9-0 win with goals from Megan Beard (2) Trish Trafford (2) Emma Sanders (2) captain Sarah Pask, Hannah Coe and Emma Wilson.

Coach Paul Halfpenny said: “It was obvious how large the gulf has become between our girls and a promising Notts Division One team.

“I really feel we are now ready to be tested in the Midlands leagues to see how good we really are.”

The Newark side play their final pre-Christmas game at home to South Nottingham tomorrow, and a win and the right results elsewhere could see them go ten points clear at the top of the Notts Premier League.