Newmarket 29 - 8 Stowmarket

Newmarket's pack dominated this game, scoring all five of the home side's tries. They would have had more but for fierce tackling from a much-improved Stowmarket side and a number of infringements close to the try line.



Newmarket scored early in the first half with Ethan Brown going over near the posts, but Stowmarket came back immediately. They picked up 3 points from a penalty and only a great tackle by Ian Moffat stopped them following that up with a try. The Newmarket forwards then took control but gave away silly penalties when camped on Stowmarket's try line. However, there was just time before the break for Nathan Buckle to pick up from the base of the scrum and nip over from 5 metres out.

The second half began as the first finished with powerful running by the home forwards that resulted in a try for man of the match Chris Le and a second for Buckle. Stowmarket struggled to get possession, but when they did their backs looked dangerous. Newmarket's wingers, Moffat and Thomas Locke demonstrated great alertness to snuff out a couple of attacks, but Stowmarket deservedly scored when Callum Andrew weaved from the halfway line through the entire defence to touch down near the corner.


Newmarket's final try came from the last play of the match. Turnover ball from a Stowmarket scrum allowed Dan Downing to go over the line and claim the first points of the season for the front row. Joe Stafford kicked the conversion to add to the earlier one by Oliver Green.