Title chasers Melbourne taken all the way by Newark's resilient first team while Southwell suffer at home to Lincoln

Newark 1sts pushed high-flying Melbourne all the way in a hard-fought league match at Kelham Road.

A losing bonus point was some reward for hard work which puts the squad in good heart for Saturday’s visit of Southwell to Newark.

The match was tied19-19 going into the closing minutes, which brought a crucial penalty goal for Melbourne in a tense finish in which both teams missed chances.

Midlands Two East North title challengers Melbourne got off to a fast start with their power game and scored a converted try after five minutes. Newark settled and matched their opponents up front.

Full-back Toby Taylor put in some pace out wide but although the defence covered well, he was able to feed to scrum-half James Tarbatt tracking on his inside to go over to cut the deficit to 7-5.

Newark matched the visitors with the back row of Jamie Duncan, Sam Dobson and Jonathan Webster to the fore, but it was Melbourne who scored next through their prop who went over near the posts for a converted try.

The home side fought back and forced a penalty that was converted by Tarbatt.

They finished the half on a high with some sustained pressure on the Melbourne line and, after several power plays, Will Ellison went over wide to make the half-time score 13-14 and all to play for.

Newark started the second half confidently, and at pace, with Tarbatt, Matt Walton and Budds asking questions of the Melbourne defence. Against the run of play it was the visitors who scored next for 19-13.

Newark pressure forced the visitors to concede in front of the posts. Alex Scott converted the penalty to make it 19-16 and soon after added another to draw the game at 19-19 with 20 minutes still to go.

The last quarter was even with both sides trying to break the deadlock. Both Scott and the Melbourne fly-half failed to take advantage of penalties and agonisingly Melbourne got another opportunity, which was converted for a 22-19 lead they held until the final whistle.

Southwell Rugby Club’s first team did not get off to the ideal start as they suffered a 40-5 home defeat to Lincoln.

Southwell were down 14-5 at the break and, despite upping their efforts in the second-half, they failed to build on their score.

They remain eighth in the Midlands Two East (North) ahead of their fixture at Newark.

Southwell 2nds enjoyed another fine result as they beat Lincoln 2nds 46-19.

The home win saw an incredible four tries from Nathan King at number eight.

There was also another try on the board from Ollie Richards too, with regular contributions becoming a habit following a run of positive performances.

Newark host Southwell on Saturday (3pm kick-off).