Melbourne 38 Newark 19: Midlands Two North match report

A difficult first half cost Newark at Melbourne who dominated the opening exchanges to win their re-arranged Midlands Two North match 38-19 on Saturday.

Newark could not find the form of last week when they edged out Ilkeston in an entertaining match at Kelham Road.

This week the home team dominated helped by playing first down the slope and having the wind behind. They built up a 26-7 lead to put the match beyond Newark who fought back to draw the second half 12-12.

Newark’s tries came from the wings in Ovi Gilder and Henry Allen alongside one from forward Jaymie Duncan. Alex Scott kicked two conversions.

Melbourne trapped Newark inside their 22 from the start and gained a penalty try for a collapsed maul which also brought a yellow card for the visiting pack.

Within minutes, Melbourne again exerted pressure inside the Newark 22 and with a man down it proved too difficult to defend and the home side went 14-0 up.

To make matters worse Newark went down to 13 men when they gained a second yellow card after a deliberate knock on.

From the resulting penalty, Melbourne had a line-out close in and made their superior numbers count to score a third try in the corner. An excellent conversion made it 21-0.

There was a glimmer of hope halfway through the half when Gilder went over for a trade mark try under the posts which was converted by Scott.

There was then a period of stalemate, but at least the visitors were back up to a full complement. Melbourne had been reduced to 14 after a high tackle on Newark captain Olly Dodders.

With five minutes of the half to go, Newark tried to play their way out of their 22 and the ball went loose. Melbourne secured the ball and moved it left for the winger to go over and give them a half-time lead of 26-7.

The second half was more of the same and Melbourne scored two more tries before Newark fought back when fly half George Leeson found Matt Walton with a long pass and the centre put wing Allen in for a simple run in. Scott converted from the touch line to make it 38-14.

With time running out, Scott fielded a kick and fed the ever willing Sean Denning who ran the ball up hard to the 22. Newark re-cycled and Leeson found Dodders who cut a good hard line before finding Duncan who finished off.

Newark now face West Bridgford away this Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.

The club’s 2nds also had a tough match, losing 24-20 at Ashbourne. They play Gainsborough at Kelham Road this Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.