Melbourne 32 - 25 Newark

Newark gained a losing bonus from an entertaining match against Derbyshire rivals Melbourne who pulled clear in the second half.

Newcomer Noah Catley scored two tries on his full debut to go alongside an early effort from backrower James Brogden. Scrum-half James Tarbatt kicked two conversions and two penalty goals.

Melbourne led 22-17 at half-time and extended that advantage to 32-17 before a late flurry from Newark earned that bonus point for losing by seven or fewer points.

Melbourne kicked off with Newark playing up the slope and against the wind. These days, Melbourne are a well drilled side with large and quick backs.

Immediately they went through the phases until Jaymie Duncan was able to achieve a turn over and win a penalty.

Melbourne came back with yet more pressure and Newark conceded a number of penalties. Within minutes Melbourne scored their first try after a quickly-taken penalty near the Newark line. The conversion made the score 7-0.

However, undaunted, Newark fought back and persistent work by Ovi Glider down the left set up a chance for James Brogden to cross for the try. It was converted by James Tarbatt to equalise the scores.

Unfortunately the comeback was short-lived and a penalty conceded in midfield gave the Melbourne kicker the opportunity to add a three-pointer.

Things became worse shortly afterwards when Melbourne pressured Newark close to their line and were able to score under the posts after a large gap opened up in the Blues defence. The score moved to 17-7 but Newark pegged back the difference by kicking a penalty of their own.
Newark then fashioned one of the best tries of the game when Will Britten kicked out of defence and the ball was well caught by Noah Catley, making his full debut on the wing.

The ball was recycled as Melbourne tackled back but excellent handling saw Catley finish off the move by scoring a try. It was duly converted and suddenly the game was even at 17-17.

Newark would have been very happy with this going into half-time but in the last minute of injury time, Melbourne struck back with a score in the left corner to lead 22-17 going into the interval.

Newark made changes for the second half with Billy Charles on for Jack Drabble and Jamie Vinters on for Haydn Godfrey.

Melbourne started to impose their physical superiority despite energetic defence from Newark.

A Melbourne probe down the right was rebuffed but a high tackle in midfield by Newark led to a converted try by Melbourne 29-17. Newark broke back down the slope and a midfield break resulted in a yellow card for Melbourne. At this stage both sides were making handling errors but it made for an eventful and exciting game.

Melbourne fought back and a period of sustained pressure led to a Melbourne penalty in front of the posts and they extended their lead by 3 points.

A second yellow for Melbourne provided the extra space for Newark who came back down the slope and a well-worked period of handling put Catley in for his second try of the game. The conversion was missed. Shortly after Newark earned a penalty in front of the posts, successfully converted by Tarbatt.

The game was in the final few minutes of injury time but was brought to a premature end by an injury which required the attendance of an ambulance.

It was a downbeat conclusion to a game which had flowed from end to end and from which Newark earned a deserved bonus point.

Trys - Donnelly, Suddaby, Taylor, Smith,
12 Points Brown
Star Player Suddaby

Report: Matt Derbyshire
Photos on Flickr