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Mansfield move up to second spot

Powergen Midlands 2 East

NEWARK  3   MANSFIELD  31 

Mansfield took the honours in the first League derby game for a decade and in the process took second place away from their local rivals. Too strong in the forwards, too well drilled in defence and with the skills round the park to capitalise on opportunities presented the Blue and Whites were good value for their win.

The pattern was set early with the Newark pack unable to cope with the Mansfield powerhouse and struggling to develop usable ball. Indeed the home side were only making progress in the early stages on the back of Mansfield fumbles as they attempted a series of elaborate passing moves. At the line out Taylor and Lindsay proved safe hands at the end of Kirk’s accurate throws but despite their ascendancy Jones and Wayne Robinson were called on to relieve chases for the line.

Buck and Lindsay linked as Mansfield cut through the centre, Holmes cleaned up a scrappy maul for Roberts to move Mansfield forward and Rutter angled a kick to take Mansfield within 8 metres. From the line out Stringfellow forced his way across the line but was unable to ground the ball. Another drive and Roberts was denied but then a crossing offence and Newark were able to take play into Mansfield’s half, win another penalty and despite twenty minutes of being on top Mansfield found themselves 3-0 behind.

Maintaining their shape and game plan Mansfield worked back with Karl Robinson wresting ball for Holmes to break out. A free kick for Newark feeding their scrum was quickly taken by Rutter who received the ball back from Roberts, made the half break and then the perfect pass meeting the run of unstoppable Marrows, clearly delighted to dive over for try number one. Rutter converted but despite moving onto the attack from the restart more fumbles let Newark mount their one concerted attacking phase of the afternoon.

Stringfellow maintained hands round the ball as Newark drove over the try line. Taylor, Newbould and Jones all made vital tackles and Arnold snuffed out a near certain try. Roberts was sin binned but ex Mansfield player Mower sliced the penalty wide and Mansfield lifted the siege ending the half with a Storey – Robinson wing move and Marrows going close to another score. The half ended with Mansfield still hammering away at the Newark line but an interval score of 7-3 was scant reward and a reshuffle as Marrows limped out of the game left it in the balance.

However, the Blue and Whites wasted no time in putting the game beyond Newark’s reach. Lindsay followed up and caught the kick off, Holmes broke inside to feed Rutter and he chipped to within 10 metres. Mansfield immediately recovered the ball and Rutter slotted a drop goal to ensure a score lead. The skipper was next in action combining with Buck in defence before drilling the ball down field. Again Mansfield forward power told and Buck forced his way to the line, they recycled and an eight man drive proved irresistible, replacement Ashley controlling the touch down.

The intensity of the tackling and pace round the park was raised a gear but still it was Mansfield through Jones, Robinson and Taylor making the more positive breaks. Newark were living off scraps and adventurous as they might be were losing ground. Finally closed down near half way Mansfield had three men harrying a lone Newark defender, Lindsay picked up and unselfishly fed Storey who raced away to preserve his position as leading try scorer in the league. After Rutter’s simple conversion for 24-3 Pike replaced Stringfellow and immediately put in a shuddering tackle and pick up.

Grant’s introduction meant no respite for the home front row and seeking to put the icing on the cake the ball flowed along the three quarters. The perfect angled run by Jones flat footed the Newark defence and rounded off an impressive afternoon’s work. “That was a very good Newark outfit , they gave it everything and we only won thanks to eighty minutes of concentration, never once letting up and all playing for each other” was Coach John Tasker’s summary.

Another such performance will be required at Eakring Road this Saturday when Northampton Old Scouts who came close to toppling Mansfield last Spring are the visitors.

That First team win was just one of a clean sweep for Mansfield’s five sides. In the Second Team Division 1 a 27-18 win means Mansfield have stolen a march on their closest rivals at the head of the table.

In the Security Plus Pennant Newark’s Third team were overhauled at the finishing post as Mansfield’s Fourths pulled off a 22-18 victory.

Rounding off the fixtures with Newark the Kelham Road Fourths went down 32-1 2 to Mansfield’s Fifths.

Away from the local rivalry Mansfield Thirds continued their unbeaten run with a 29-5 win against Ashbourne Seconds.

 

 

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