A cracking match of 13 tries ended in a narrow win for a whole-hearted Newark squad who posted a third success of the season.

After the 71-15 waltz around Tamworth last week, this was a far closer affair throughout which Newark edged helped by the goal-kicking of George Leeson who converted all of the six tries while the home team managed only two from seven tries.

It was also another memorable afternoon for Aloesi Buds Waqalevu whose distinguished career at Newark now includes appearing alongside son Joshie in the backline.

Joshie has become a regular this season while dad Buds was making a first appearance of the campaign which came in two stints in between a first-half sin binning for a high tackle.

Buds disappeared when Newark led 14-7 thanks to another good start of some crisp handling which brought tries for Leeson and wing Henry Allen.

Ilkeston took full advantage of Newark’s missing man to lead 17-14 heading towards half-time.

Newark showed their resilience just before the break to grab a third try through the bustling Tom O’Leary in the back row. Leeson converted that score for a 21-17 lead at half-time.

The second half brought another good start by Newark who seemed more comfortable playing uphill than down the Ilkeston slope.

Some good pressure was rewarded when scrum-half James Tarbatt forced his way over after Mattie Ashton, Joshie Waqalevu and Will Ellison had all tried to power over.

Leeson added the conversion to put Newark in control at 28-17. However, Ilkeston played some of their best rugby to score two quick tries, one coming from a darting break by their wing.

At 27-28, Newark looked vulnerable to the growing confidence of the home team, but a try from front-rower Mateusz Dogiel, on his first team debut, brought reward from another attack. Leeson converted for a 35-27 lead.

The last 10 minutes of the match brought plenty of action. Ilkeston grabbed the momentum again to score a sixth try which put them three points down at 32-35.

Again it looked for ominous for Newark, only for a lucky break when Leeson grabbed an interception on halfway to race 50 metres for the line and his second try which he converted.

That put Newark 42-32 up and they held out until Ilkeston scored their seventh from the last move of the match which cut the winning margin to three points.

The downside to an entertaining match was the late punch up between the substitute Ilkeston prop and Newark’s man-of-the-match No 8 Sean Denning. Both were shown a red card for their sins.

Denning had led from the front throughout and his efforts were backed up by the Newark pack which held their own against bigger opponents.

Overall, the late flare up apart, it was an excellent contest and a thorough credit to both teams.

The win keeps Newark in a healthy sixth position as the league takes a week off next Saturday.

Newark team v Ilkeston: Scott; Allen, Walton, Joshie Waqalevu, Walton, Buds Waqalevu; Leeson, Tarbatt; Cobb, Coen, Ashton, Ellison, Clayton, O’Leary, Dodders (capt), Denning. Subs: Dogiel, Alexander, Bacon.

Tries: Leeson (2), Allen, O’Leary, Tarbatt, Dogiel.
Conversions: Leeson (6).

Next match: home to West Bridgford, Saturday 9 November, 2.15pm. All welcome.