and playing against Newark with an extended injury list is going to be even harder. But in true fighting spirit our boys were not just there on Sunday to make up the numbers, they were there to play their socks off and give their all. So proud of the lads really showing their mettle in the face of well drilled, disciplined and efficient opposition.

We had 13 players, so borrowed a couple from the visitors and it was game on. A little more structure from the previous weeks borrowed players, but we still had to rely on players out of position. Newark put us under pressure from the start and having to move forwards into back positions perhaps reduced our power a little, especially up front. It wasn't long before the pressure told and Newark drove over from 5 yards out. Our green and white boys fought and defended for their lives, some huge tackles still going in around the park from the usual suspects, and our newly formed back line worked well reloading and applying pressure. However Newarks offloading and timing of passes was our undoing, and within ten minutes we were two scores down with a penalty try given for a high tackle.

The familiar rallying cry came from the Green and Whites, the call to arms and not to let our heads drop. Our boys stepped it up a gear, and now it was our turn to apply pressure. Quick ball, quick hands and offloads and we charged forwards. A couple of tries perhaps squandered with the final pass going to ground when we had an overlap but it was massively encouraging.

If you apply pressure though, cracks will show, and fortunately we managed to exploit the cracks. David and Tayne crashed and made ground, tackled but quick ruck speed meant the backs could be released. This time the timing worked perfectly; Alex, Matty, Dan, Josh and H with the overlap 22 yards out. Afterburners on and in under the posts. Arthur taking the extras. Corsairs 7 Newark 12. The shoe was now perhaps on the other foot with Newark now regrouping shouting for their heads not to drop.

Their heads didn't and sadly we didn't breach their try line again, we came close, but they kept the door shut. Newark advanced in waves, kept their discipline and dominated. We defended heroically keeping them at arms length for decent periods, but ultimately they came through. Half time saw us 17 - 7 down which was outstanding. Our boys were putting everything on the line.

Sadly the second half we flagged, having lost another two players to precautionary injuries, we had to borrow more and shuffle round further. Hats off to Billy covering scrum half though, he can definitely pass, but even when we engaged our engines and put Newark under pressure they managed to repel. They came back at us with some great running lines and power. When your opposition can score from a driving maul from around the half way line, you know you are in trouble. We tried to plug the gaps, but for each one plugged Newark created more. Final score Corsairs 7 - Newark 50.

A tough day at the office, but one with huge positives. We only ended up with 11 players on the pitch and started with 13, but each one of those players put in a shift and stood tall. we picked ourselves up and came back every time. We reset, we fought, but we came second.

Proud of our lads, especially those who played out of position. They just wanted to be on the pitch and part of it.

Huge thanks to Newark for lending players and for giving us the game, and huge congrats to all that played. It was a proper ""spirit of the game" match, great to watch all round.

Nottingham Corsairs RFC

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