Coalville grind out win despite poor performance

A penalty 2 minutes from time earned Coalville their 7th victory on the bounce at Newark on Saturday, although they were rather fortunate as they under performed for most of the fixture.

Coalville kicked off against a stiff breeze in front of a large partisan crowd and were soon under the cosh as a series of unforced errors saw Newark score their first try of four to take the lead. Improved defence from the visitors somehow kept the Newark storm out.
A set scrum 10mtrs from the Newark try line provided the platform for some prolonged pressure from the Coalville pack. With the hosts struggling to contain the hosts, the ball was spun out wide for Myles Griffin to level the scores at 5-5 after a quarter of an hour.
A period of errors from both sides saw the game become a battle of who could hold on to the ball for the longest with George Blackburn knocking over two penalties to Newark`s one for Coalville to lead 11-8 with 35mins on the clock.
As the half neared its conclusion, a break from Sam Gadsby and Jake Moretta put Coalville in striking distance. After some great line running from center Joe Moretta, the ball was delivered to Joe Rumming to touch down for a 16-8 half time score.
Newark`s start to the second half somewhat mirrored the first as they ran in three unanswered tries within 12 minutes to lead 25-16.
A quick response was needed by the now shell shocked visitors and man of the match Joe Moretta certainly made it with some searching runs into the home territory. This led to better territory for the visitors, and after good off loads from Jamie Parker and Mark Davies, Alex Collins was sent crashing. Blackburn showed excellent nerve to convert a crucial kick to close the gap to just two points with the teams entering the final 20mins. All out attack was now the order from the visitors, which had Newark back peddling. However constant attempts were repelled by a strong rearguard action, with Nathan Harrison's attempt to crashover in the corner being ruled to have been knocked on. Further efforts came to nothing to leave the visitors looking at defeat with a couple of minutes remaining but one final throw of the dice saw Blackburn convert a penalty to ease the visitors in front.
With just one final twist to the game, Newark were awarded a penalty from 40 meters out for a high tackle, but it was pushed well wide.
Coalville "2" beat local rivals Ashby "2" 25-20 to maintain their lead at the top of Leicestershire Merit Table B.
Coalville are next in action this Sat April 1st Home to Notts Casuals.