Sunday 13 February 2011

Newmarket 0 - 26 Huntingdon (match abandoned)

The last time these two met was in the County Cup, with Huntingdon coming out on top.  That unfortunately was the story again today, with missed tackles, lost balls and holes in the flat lines, which Huntingdon penetrated with countless runs.  It was a very hard game for Newmarket to get out of their half for the first 20mins, which resulted in Huntingdon's first try, which came from a missed tackle that let them through and over the try line. A very well taken conversion followed.

The second try was much the same, a missed tackle down the left hand wing, but a missed conversion. Defending on their 22, Newmarket conceded a third try and conversion.  The fourth try came from a scrum down, after a line-out won by Huntingdon, with the conversion kicking into the wind and taken very well.

There were some very good moments from individual players today. Great run from Iain Moffatt, goods hands from Matthew Marsh, tackling from Dan Bristow, and Joe Stafford's kicking.

The game was unfortunately abandoned with about 15 - 20mins to go, due to an injury to Joe Stafford, which resulted with Joe being taken to hospital with a dislocated right shoulder.

Match reporter: Cheryl Brown

Monday 17 January 2011

County Cup v Huntingdon

Unfortunately, no opposition yesterday following cancellation by Bury. Next Sunday's home match against Huntingdon is a 10am meet for an 11am kick off.

Please make sure you are at training on Tuesday.

Sunday 9 January 2011

Ely 0 - 48 Newmarket

After a six week lay off because of the winter weather Newmarket showed suprisingly little sign of rustiness and ran in 8 tries without reply against a gallant Ely side.

Playing with the slope in the first half Newmarket quickly took the lead. Ben Jeacock crashed over the line, only to be adjudged to have knocked on, but from the 5 metre scrum the ball went along the line and Jack Watson set up full-back Ashley Reed to score under the posts. Joe Stafford added the first of his 4 conversions, which he later matched with 4 tries.


For most of the match Newmarket played a very narrow game with the forwards keeping the ball tight and Stafford almost playing the No. 10 position as an extra forward. It quickly resulted in the away side doubling the lead as Stafford started and finished a move for the second try with good support from the strong-running Dan Bristow.

Jeacock was again unlucky when he narrowly missed touching down Stafford's delicate chip over the Ely defence but with the home side unable to get away from their own line it was inevitable that another try would come. This time it was from the ever-alert Anton Phillips who pounced on the loose ball to score.


The fourth try was probably the best of the match and came from the unlikeliest of positions. Ely put up a high kick and Gwilym Davies, in his own half, slipped as he turned. Somehow he managed to catch the ball on the ground, avoid a tackle and pop the ball up to Reed. The Newmarket support play was excellent and eventually the ball went out to Matt Marsh who out-sprinted the defence to score in the corner.

Bristow followed the same route a few minutes later but had the extra space to run around and touch down under the posts to complete the first-half scoring.


In the second half the Newmarket backs began to see a little more ball and there were some strong runs and slick passing, notably from Nathan Buckle. But it was still the forwards who had the cutting edge and Ethan Brown soon put Stafford in for a try from short-range.

Ely's response was immediate and they had by far their best passage of play as they pinned Newmarket back on their own try line. Eventually they crossed it but their powerful No. 8 was held up by sterling defence and Newmarket smuggled the ball away with Bristow putting in a long clearing kick.

Newmarket again had territorial advantage and Stafford saw another opportunity to chip over the defence. This time he followed up himself and was able to dribble the ball over he line and score. He then completed his personal tally by scoring the final try in the opposite corner following good work by newcomer, George Rowley.

The match was much enjoyed by a large crowd of Newmarket MAGS.

Saturday 11 December 2010

West Norfolk Match On

Tomorrow's home match is on. Meet at 11.30am for 12.30 kick off.

Unfortunately this match, too, was cancelled when the referee judged that the pich was not fit for play. Thanks to West Norfolk for making the trip, despite the disapppointment of not playing.

Sunday 28 November 2010

Huntingdon match off

Due to frozen conditions, today's match is off.