Newark posted back-to-back wins for the first time since November with a 23-17 win over Mellish in the Regional Two North MIdlands Rugby competition.
The win was another nervy encounter for the side which followed last week’s 33-27 win at Wolverhampton.
On a wet pitch, both teams contributed to an entertaining clash which kept the attention fully of another good-sized crowd at Kelham Road.
Newark owed their victory to a great start which saw them build a 20-0 lead through some crisp first-half play.
They then needed some sturdy defence to hold off a determined Mellish recovery.
Lock Ben Jackson muscled over for Newark’s first try to be followed by another explosive score from wing Ovi Gilder.
With George Leeson converting both tries to go alongside two penalty goals, Newark seemed well in control.
However, the second half brought a swing in momentum and Mellish scored three tries to grab a losing bonus point and to keep Newark having to work for a ninth win of the season.
Newark’s only points after the interval came from Leeson who kicked a third penalty goal to capitalise on some rare home pressure.
The next match is tonight (March 7) against Long Eaton.
It’s a re-arranged contest and the venue has yet to be confirmed.
An announcement will be made on the Newark Rugby Club website.
Ollerton suffered a close loss against Chesterfield, losing 19 - 17.
Ollerton gained a vital bonus point though to keep them in the mix.
Ollerton were leading most of the game but Chesterfield hit back with two late tries to pinch it.
Try scorers for Ollerton were winger Jonny Brannan. fullback David Wilson and Captain Liam Tebbet.
Alex Berry clinched the man-of-the-match award for Ollerton.
Southwell Rugby Club only had one senior team play on the weekend as their 3rds, the bandits won 28-26 in a nail-biter over Newark 3rds.
Bingham Rugby Club achieved a dominant win on the road when their 1sts side defeated Mansfield 2nds 59-10.
