Market Rasen and Louth RFC ease past Newark in league return

Centre Will Pridgeon scored twice against Newark EMN-190403-121350002

Market Rasen and Louth RFC recovered from their thumping in the Notts, Lincs and Derbys Cup to put their league campaign back on track with an emphatic win over Newark.

The visitors had arrived, sitting two places above Rasen in Midlands Two East (North), but the red and Greens showed spirit to soak up pressure and then take their chances with some clinical finishing in a 33-10 win.

Newark made the brighter start and attacked from kick-off, forcing Rasen deep into their own territory by playing the phases, but the home defence was resolute against this early onslaught and Newark’s precision was way below par as they spilled passes and lost possession.

Rasen opened the scoring after 10 minutes when good work from the forwards gave the backs a solid platform and swift handling put Ben Young through a gap for a sprint to the line.

Jake McKay bagged Rasen's bonus-point try. Picture courtesy of Jon Staves EMN-190403-121339002

But the centre took a knee to the back in the act of scoring and was forced to retire from the action.

Spen Holvey’s superb conversion from wide out gave Rasen the full compliment of points.

The game reverted to the earlier passages as Newark worked to get back on terms, but their play was still littered with errors and Rasen took full advantage.

A turnover deep in Rasen’s half was the catalyst for a second score, with Newark left flatfooted and forced to turn as their hosts broke out of defence.

A perfectly-timed pass from Tom Stephens drew the last defender to put Will Pridgeon, on for Young, away up the touchline and in for a try, again beautifully converted by Holvey.

The pattern continued, with Newark back on the attack and Rasen forced into defensive mode.

When Newark were awarded a penalty close to their hosts line there was no hesitation in opting for a scrum as the Rasen set piece had shown worrying signs of crumbling under pressure.