After the last couple of weeks of challenging weather and floods, the Newark grounds team once again have worked miracles to prepare Kelham Road for the much anticipated Colts' first match of the 2025.

The NLD Cup 3rd round clash against last year’s Colts champions Moderns promised excitement from the outset.

The game began with Newark kicking off, and both teams battling to establish dominance in a nervy opening. The first points came from a well-executed Newark lineout on Moderns’ 22. After the maul was held, quick recycling and sharp passing across the width of the field found Ollie Brewer on the right wing, Brewer eluded his tackler and stormed through for the opening try. Newark led 5–0.
Moderns responded with relentless effort, seeking to level the score. However, Newark's scrums and lineouts provided a solid attacking platform. Despite strong appeals from the crowd, Newark narrowly missed out on a penalty try after a promising maul was collapsed close to Moderns’ try line, which the visitors defended bravely.
Newark's second try began near the halfway line with a lineout expertly caught by Connor Cnockaert. The ball was moved wide and quickly upfield, leading to a penalty on Moderns' 22. Newark opted for another lineout, which Cnockaert secured once more. A powerful maul followed, allowing Monty Mullins to cross the line. Harry Waterhouse added the conversion from a tight angle, extending Newark's lead to 12–0.
The pressure remained on Moderns as Newark camped in their half. A rare foray by the visitors earned them a penalty on Newark's 5-metre line, but Newark's defence forced an error. Seizing the opportunity, Brewer collected the ball and sprinted the length of the field, slipping past his tackler to create a two-on-one with Lenny Coen in support. Brewer finished the move under the posts, and Waterhouse added the extras for a commanding 19–0 lead.
Moderns managed to score a try in the last play of the half, offering them hope for the second half at 19–5.

The Second half witnessed a renewed battle from a spirited Modern team

Moderns started the second half with renewed determination and encouragement from their late try in the first half, quickly capitalising on a Newark error to score in the corner. The successful conversion brought them within one score at 19–12.
This spurred Newark into action. After a brief kicking duel, Newark's lineout on their 22 provided the spark. The ball moved rapidly to Evan Marshall, who surged to the halfway line before offloading to Toby Waller. Waller advanced further, then passed to Waterhouse, who powered through four defenders to score. Waterhouse’s conversion restored Newark’s cushion at 26–12.
Moderns, to their credit, struck back immediately, following a series of penalties, a well-taken lineout and maul saw them peel off for a try, reducing the gap to 26–17.
Despite both teams' spirited efforts in the closing stages, the score remained unchanged.

Newark's victory secured our place in the NLD Cup semi-final against Kesteven, scheduled for Sat 25th 1pm Kick off at Kelham Road

Written; Will Syme-Nicholson
Checked; Alan Staines