A back and forward rugby contest thrilled spectators at Kelham Road but it wasn’t to be Newark’s day as they fell 31-25 against Dronfield in the Papa John’s RFU cup.
It was also a final Saturday at Kelham Road for long-serving captain Will Britten who has announced his decision to step down after six seasons leading from the centre.
The two sides traded tries for most of the game before fly half George Leeson put his team ahead at 25-24 thanks to his second penalty goal 18 minutes from time.
However, Dronfield struck back in dominating the final stages which ultimately, despite Newark’s sturdy defence, brought a converted try to decide the match.
Earlier tries for Newark saw prop Harry Wright and winger Ovi Gilder cross over.
A club spokesman said that overall, it was a flat end to a campaign which brought eighth place in the league and many memorable scores along the way led by the club’s two fastest players in Josh Ashe and Gilder.
Ollerton 2nds played host to the Southwell Bandits and just fell 39-29 in a end of season friendly match.
The result was a great close game with Southwell just having the edge with a couple of late tries to bring the win home.
