Newark 41-5 Market Rasen 5: Firsts reap rewards after late flurry of tries in Midlands Two East North win at Kelham Road

Newark Rugby Club 1sts completed a double for the season over Market Rasen in a dominant display at Kelham Road.

On an icy cold afternoon, Newark led from the start to win by six tries to one following up on the Midlands Two East North away win in November (32-5).

Three late tries bolstered the winning margin and earned a try bonus point to keep the team in fifth place.

Newark were strengthened up front by the return after injury of the experienced Jaymie Duncan and Jonathan Webster.

Both back-rowers scored first-half tries as Newark turned round 15-5 up, with fly-half George Leeson having started the match by kicking an early penalty.

Newark struggled to take try-scoring chances in the second half apart from one quick attack on the right which finished in a score for wing Josh Ashe.

A good crowd had to wait until the final minutes for a spate of scores which undid Rasen’s hard-working defence.

Substitute prop Josh White crashed over for the fourth to be followed by further scores from lock Dan Singer and captain Will Britten.

League rivals Southwell, whose 1st team sit seventh having played two games less, lost 7-10 at home to Ilkeston.

Southwell 2nds had more luck as they convincingly beat Melbourne 45-0 to continue their unbeaten start to the year in an impressive display at Park Lane.

Captain Luke Brafield impressed again and went over at the end to add to his performance.

Southwell also played their part as the Minster School year nine team won the Nottinghamshire Cup, beating Arnold Hill 14-12.

The team is made up of Southwell players, and features one from Paviors.

On Saturday, Southwell 1sts travel to Melbourne. Newark 1sts and 2nds both travel to Matlock in 3pm kick-offs.