Matlock...............................12

Newark...............................19

AFTER the disappointments of the previous weeks Matlock were determined to put in an improved performance against title contenders Newark.

This they duly did, but they once again discovered that unforced errors cost them the match.

Matlock started badly and Newark were ahead after only three minutes when a poor clearance kick and several missed tackles allowed the visitors to score the first try.

A penalty awarded to Matlock at the restart was missed, but it was all Newark for the opening half hour as Matlock were forced to defend. The home side began to find some momentum in the forwards with dominance in the scrums, but difficulties at the breakdown caused problems.

Disaster struck at a scrum on the half way line when Newark’s number eight picked up from the scrum and broke through numerous half hearted tackles to score under the posts.

With the simple conversion secured Newark led 14-0.

Matlock fought back as Alex Powell combined with Chris Buckley to take them close to Newark line, but some solid defending and the referee’s whistle kept them out .

Just before half time Matlock were awarded a penalty and, sensing the edge in the forwards, opted for a scrum.

The forwards duly obliged as they drove back the Newark scrum and Chris Mease touched down to score.

James Bance did well to slot the conversion and Matlock were right back in the game.

The second half could not have started better for Matlock as a scintillating run from Alex Powell gave Ben Neville the chance to race over for a try to level the score.

Matlock now began to exert real pressure on the visitors and the dismal foggy conditions were brightened when both Matlock props executed deft chips to keep the pressure on Newark.

Adam Twyford, at lock, was enjoying his best game of the season so far as Matlock began to dominate in the loose.

Unfortunately, all Matlock’s hard work was undone by unforced errors and Newark scored to take the lead. It was now Newark who were back in command of the game as Matlock were forced back on to the defensive where Dan Hooton was outstanding with some heroic tackling.

As the game slipped away from them Matlock went all out for the score, but once again fell foul of the referee at the breakdown and, despite valiant efforts, were unable to get the points they deserved.

Matlock will feel they improved on previous weeks’ performances, but will know that they passed up the chance to beat a rather average Newark side.