Newark Rugby Club lost to Long Eaton Rugby Club in their Midlands Two East North division tie but managed to pick up two bonus points

Newark 1sts took two bonus points from their Midlands Two East North division tie against Long Eaton, but ultimately, the Kelham Road side were out-gunned 33-27 over the 80-minute contest.

An early try for Newark’s scrum-half Findlay Tweedie, who grabbed a further try later on, gave the hosts an early lead.

However, a fight back from the visitors saw them earn their first league win of the season.

After an incredible start to the season, which saw the 1sts take 14 points from their opening three fixtures, Saturday’s loss continued Newark’s drop in form, which has seen them bow out of the national RFU Cup and suffer back-to-back league defeats.

Although, it is not as bad as it seems for Newark, as they are only five points off league leaders Melbourne and sit in fourth place.

Kelham Road witnessed a pacey start to the match, which saw Newark go 7-0 up after eight minutes following significant pressure on the Long Eaton line.

Returning scrum-half Tweedie was the scorer for the hosts.

Newark’s Jason Matthysz was replaced by James Brogden as the lock had to leave the field after 15 minutes with what looked appeared to be a serious shoulder injury.

The change in personnel shook Newark and their defence was breached following half-hearted challenges.

Long Eaton reduced Newark’s lead to two points.

Newark bounced back with pressure of their own and prop Mason Coulam found himself clear on the left, before sending an overhead pass to wing Josh Watts, who ran clear for a try in the corner.

A strong run out of defence by Rhys Overland created space for Matt Cox, who forced a deliberate knock-on from the visitors.

Cox converted the penalty to make it 15-5.

Newark made two changes as half-time approached.

Tom Crosby and Fran Appleton made way for Logan Watt and debutant Ben Wells.

With minutes left in the first period, the visitors took advantage of the changed line-out and went over for a converted try to take the score to 15-12.

A poor second-half opening saw Newark concede a converted try and go behind for the first time in the tie.

However, Newark refused to accept defeat and rampaging full-back Hunter-Shaw went over for his second try, although the hosts, under pressure, failed to convert.

With a slender lead of 20-19, Newark failed to push on and the last quarter saw Long Eaton exert high levels of pressure.

The visitors went down for back-to-back converted tries as they staged late comeback.

With Newark staring a third successive league defeat in the face, they made up for their missed penalties and rescued two bonus points as Tweedie went over for his second try of the afternoon.

Cox held his nerve to convert the try and earn Newark two points, which could turn out to be vital later in the season.

Next up for the 1sts is a league trip to ninth place Loughborough 1sts on Saturday, a side that have won two of their five league games this season.

Southwell 2nds are the only side in the Midlands Two East North division without a win as they lost 5-27 at home to eight placed Dronfield.

On Saturday, Southwell travel to third place Matlock, who have only lost once this season.