A repeat of last weekend’s fixture took place between Southwell Rugby Club 1sts and Belper at Newark’s Kelham Road.

And, as a result of the back-to-back fixture, Southwell chairman Andrew Smith said the team looked to switch up their game plan, while still maintaining their attacking style of play, in what was a convincing 60-7 win.

“We were also looking for a more clinical performance after a few points were left adrift at Belper,” he said.

“In an attempt to get the boys up for the game, George Machin suggested we view the game as one against Newark themselves.”

And, it worked. Southwell started the stronger, which led to an early converted Machin try after a swerving run from Belper’s 22.

Adam Frettingham added a second try shortly after, who always seems to be on someone’s shoulder at the crucial point.

Southwell’s kick chase put Belper under severe pressure early in the first half.

It seemed this early pressure was to be undone after Machin was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

But, it didn’t seem to fluster Southwell, instead it inspired a bigger team performance.

Hughes stormed over shortly after for another try, despite putting the ball down with one hand.

The tries kept on coming, with two further converted tries from Nick Gill and Tom Broughton respectively before the break.

A strong first half from the temporary home side.

At half-time, coach Josh Barlow challenged Southwell to build on this first half and capitalise on the score line.

The game opened up in the second half, as Southwell’s fitness began to affect the game.

Wingers Stefan Ortiz and Simon Barber each grabbed a brace each, but Chuck Wilson and Frettingham struggled to make conversions due to testing kicking conditions.

Ortiz scored the red men’s final try late on.

Belper then had a try of their own in the last play of the game due to an interception in their own 22.

Smith said: “To their credit, they probably deserved to breach the red wall on one occasion for their efforts.”

Southwell are two points off leaders Ashby with a game in hand.

On Saturday, the Redmen travel Modern for a 3pm kick off.

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Rugby, Southwell 1sts vs Belper at Kelham Rd, Newark. Pictured is Southwell player Ben Hughes. player James Stevenson.. (28820833)

A late rally failed to bring Newark 1sts any points in a disappointing performance against stugglers Lincoln, who reversed last week’s defeat at Kelham Road.

Newark had chances in the final minutes to grab at least a losing bonus point, but spurned two kickable penalty goal chances to push for a try in the Midlands Two East North 30-20 defeat.

It saw an end of six successive league wins, which dated back to December.

After Matt Cox gave Newark the lead through an early penalty goal, Lincoln pounced on mistakes by the visitors to dominate a first half despite playing against the conditions.

Newark conceded three first-half tries to turn round 22-10 down, a penalty try adding to Cox’s early penalty.

A crucial moment came straight from the second-half kick off which saw Lincoln work a quick move to catch out the Newark defence for a fourth try and a lead of 27-10.

Rhys Overland cut the margin to 12 points, before Lincoln landed a penalty to improve their lead.

Mason Coulam again cut the deficit, however, Newark could not close further ground as they missed out on at least a losing bonus point for finishing within seven or fewer points.

Newark travel to Long Eaton on Saturday (3pm kick off).