The first team gained a try bonus point from a tough trip to Walsall who dominated on a sunny afternoon to win by nine tries to four.

The last time the two teams met at Kelham Road Newark won 24-16 but Walsall led in this return fixture from the start.

Walsall thrived on Newark’s slow wake up and intermittent poor defence which helped give the bigger home runners the upper hand throughout.

Newark did have some good moments especially when Henry Allen, switched from wing to full-back due to injuries, popped up to score two of the four tries. The other scorers were captain Olly Dodders and Jonno Marshall, making a rare appearance on the wing.

Walsall struck early on and led 12-0 through two tries before Newark were propelled forward by a huge George Leeson kick which was fumbled by the home cover.

Newark pounced from the scrum and worked a good try after a charging run by Sean Denning set up the attack. It was finished off by Allen scooting over on the right for a try improved by Leeson.

The score was all part of a fast and loose first half which brought two more home tries before Newark grabbed a second score thanks to the persistent Dodders who charged down a clearing kick and picked up for a try near the posts which Leeson converted.

At 14-24 down Newark were in the contest only to concede another penalty which allowed Walsall to establish camp in the visiting 22 for a fifth try just before the break.

Newark’s brightest moment came straight after half-time when Allen broke clear on the left to score his second which Leeson converted.

That cut the home lead to 29-19 and raised hopes of a tight struggle in the second half. However, those thoughts quickly evaporated as Walsall ran in three more tries to make the contest safe.

To the credit of the Newarkers they kept playing and some good inter-play out on the left – Leeson linking to Allen – ended in Marshall racing clear for a fourth try.

Leeson converted that score as well but Walsall had the last word when gaining a ninth try to close matters.

Newark v Walsall: Allen; Bacon, Waqalevu, Walton, Marsahll; George Leeson, Tarbatt; White, Vinters, Wright, Wilby, Clayton, Godfrey, Dodders (capt), Denning.
Subs: Hosking, Codd, Nathan Leeson.
Tries: Allen (2), Dodders, Marshall.
Conversions: George Leeson (2).

Next match – Saturday 22 March: home against Mellish, 3pm ko.
No match next Saturday – 15 March 2025.