NEWARK 1ST XV 17

LINCOLN 1ST XV 14

COUNTIES 1 MIDLANDS EAST (NORTH)

BY JOSEPH VERNEY

Lincoln’s 1st XV picked up a losing bonus point in what was only their first league defeat of the season in a narrow 17-14 defeat at near neighbours Newark.

It was great to see the rivals facing each other again, but the windy, wet and slippery made things difficult for both sides.

Newark started the better of the two sides with some good breaks inside the opening six minutes, but great tackles by Jack Randell and Archie Tagg stopped the hosts in their tracks.

Newark continued to push forward and after a great break with slick hands it looked like they would be into score, but Will Walker produced an excellent tackle to keep them out.

The hosts kept up the pressure and, after a good lineout and drive, Jed Chapple forced his way over for a try, which James Tarbatt converted.

Newark soon extended their lead when a kick through by Tarbatt was well chased by Joe Doubell who dotted the ball down for an unconverted try.

The weather conditions continued to slow the game down, with Lincoln kicking a few penalties deep into Newark’s half for a lineout, but they were unable to turn either into points.

Newark then made a good break down the wing and only an excellent, and crucial, tackle, by Walker stopped the opposition player from running in to score.

Lincoln piled on the pressure in the closing stages of the first half with Matt Keeton and Grant Cowe both tackled just short of the line, before the latter dived over for a try from close range.

Louie Cooke successfully slotted over the conversion as Lincoln trailed 12-7 at the break.


Newark started the second half quickly and extended their lead within five minutes of the restart as a long pass out wide put Toby Waller in for a try, despite the best efforts of Tagg who nearly stopped him.

Lincoln battled hard to find a way back into the match and substitute Jon Webster produced some strong carries when he came off the bench to face his former club.

The conditions were making it very difficult, but the visitors refused to give up and reduced the deficit to just three points 10 minutes from time.

After returning captain Tom Tucker, and Cowe, were both stopped just short Ben Taylor powered through to crash over for a try, which Cooke converted.

Lincoln put more pressure on Newark as they attempted to complete the turnaround and in the final minute the visitors were awarded a penalty and opted for the posts. However, it wasn’t to be as Cooke missed the kick in difficult conditions and the referee blew for full-time.

Lincoln, who are now second in the table, will return to action against new league leaders Southwell in the top-of-the-table clash at Longdales Park on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln's 1st XV Head Coach Matt Mcclurg said: “Two well-drilled teams going at it and conditions were poor.

“Going into the game we knew Newark are probably favourites to win this league this year, away at their place, it was going to be tough so we’d really worked on our physicality and the way we were going to play.

“Saturday morning the weather completely changed so I think all attacking platform rugby went out the window and it was very stop start for both sides.

“Particularly happy with our defence. I thought our physicality and our line speed were good, however, I didn’t think we played enough rugby in the right areas of the pitch and I think that was the difference. Newark just played a little bit more rugby in the right areas, so well done and fair play to them and I look forward to the return fixture, but I’m really proud of our lads.

“Some good individual efforts out there again. This doesn’t define our season this one result, it’s just a building platform, you’ve got to win, nobody is going to win every game in the league campaign, and we move onto the next which is another tough fixture back at home next weekend against Southwell.”

Lincoln captain Tom Tucker said: “Tricky conditions so it was hard to get our game flowing, but it could have gone either way.

“We made a few more mistakes than Newark which they capitalised on.

“Some good individual performances. We now regroup and build towards Southwell next weekend.”