Walsall have now extended their winning run in the league to nine games. However, this game was closer than the score line suggests. Newark displayed a much improved performance from earlier in the season. This resulted in a highly competitive game which at one stage was 24-23, before Walsall prevailed after winger Dan Carpenter scored two outstanding tries.
Despite having the majority of possession in the early stages, Walsall were unable to convert this into points. Newark scored first as the visitors showed their attacking intent right from the start with a fine try by the corner flag. Walsall made a strong response after a good scrum and a strong carry by Adam Nunney, resulting in a Pete Fitzgerald try. George Green was next to get on the score sheet, with great support after accurate passes from George Hill and Callum Martin. Then Callum Martin completed the front row try scoring set, touching down, to give Walsall some breathing space. With Adam Nunney converting both tries. The visitors made a positive response. They retained possession well, despite some good Walsall tackling. However Walsall gave away an easy penalty in front of the posts and Newark elected to kick the three points to make it 21-8 at the break.
The Walsall side had more control during the second half which resulted in having more territory and possession. This led to Adam Nunney adding another penalty. It was the visitors that scored the first try of the half though with an interception from deep and a seventy yard try scoring run. This led to a sustained period of pressure on the Walsall line. This resulted in another penalty and then they scored near the corner with the conversion making it 24-23.
Walsall responded well. George Hill made a good line break and beat two defenders on his try scoring run with Nunney adding the conversion. The hosts completed the scoring with the two well finished tries from Dan Carpenter. He showed great agility and pace to score after sustained forward pressure. Nunney adding both conversions to finish a perfect day with the boot.
Next Saturday they travel to Derbyshire to face Dronfield, the league leaders!