Market Rasen 37-17 Newark RUFC ­— Rasen run riot against nonchalant Newark

Newark Rugby Club 1sts were left to reflect on ‘what might have been’ having lost by a 20-point margin to Market Rasen, despite taking an early lead.

The visitors scored first in the Midlands Two East North match, which was moved from the main pitch to one of lesser quality because of standing water.

Chairman Andrew Fearn said Newark showed encouraging signs in the 37-17 defeat, most of which came in the scrums.

A good carry was released to Mason Coulam on the left and he crossed for an early score, but the hosts struck back with a penalty to cut Newark’s lead to two points.

A Newark line out 30 metres out was then won by Rasen, who crossed for an impressive converted try.

Matters suddenly became worse for Newark when a failed clearance was won by Rasen, who instantly kicked forward.

The ball rebounded off the corner post and Rasen won the race to touch down. The promising early lead had suddenly become a 15-5 deficit.

Encouragingly for the visitors, two successive scrums in the Rasen 22 led to Newark hooker, Mason Coulam, showing determination and good footwork to cross for a try, which was converted by Alex O’Dell.

Newark were back in the game, but were unable to hold out until half-time as work up front saw the hosts cross for a late try.

As Newark turned around at half-time, they would have believed that they were in the game with only an eight-point deficit. They also had the wind at their backs.

Though, it was not to be as Rasen quickly took advantage of slack Newark tackling to cross for an early try.

Back-to-back tries for Rasen in the second period were followed by an effort from Billy Charles, who restored some respect with a try following a tap penalty.

It opened the gap between the sides, who sit fourth and sixth respectively, to 15 points.

Newark 3rds and Newark Vets joined forces to entertain a home crowd at the Magnus Academy pitch and ran out 49-17 against an Army select squad.

The game was played in a great spirit with both sides playing good rugby at times.

All tries for the day were scored by Newark players with Martin Brown and Harrison Holborn scoring for the 47's and Ben Mason, Jamie Vinters (2) Bryan Loftus, Nick Moore, Mark Allen and captain Mark Staines scoring for Newark.

Newark club members expect their Kelham Road ground to be playable on Saturday as the 2nds host Bingham 1sts (3pm kick off).

On Saturday, the 1sts travel to Loughborough in the league (3pm) before their Notts Senior Cup semi-final at Paviors on Tuesday, March 10 (7.45pm).