Two late tries helped Newark continue their recent impressive home record by adding Ilkeston to the list of defeated visitors at Kelham Road since January.

Wings Jamie Eveleigh and Aloesi ‘Buddha’ Waqalevu touched down in the final minutes to seal a home win following those against Stewart & Lloyds, Paviors and Derby.

Eveleigh had earlier touched down for his first try while Buddha had left his best until the last moments by producing a trademark individual score.

Newark had fallen behind to Ilkeston’s first try on 20 minutes. A penalty by Eveleigh was quickly cancelled out by a penalty for the visitors before Alex Moore grabbed the first try five minutes before half-time. Eveleigh converted to put Newark 10-8 ahead at the interval.

Eveleigh’s second try extended Newark’s lead five minutes into the second half before Ilkeston closed to 17-16 through a try and penalty.

Newark finally settled the contest in the final 10 minutes when Eveleigh and Buddha raced clear.  The win lifts the team into sixth place in Midlands One East.

A busy period starts next Saturday when Newark play the first of three games in a week. After the league trip to Leighton Buzzard, the team are scheduled to play at Derby on March 17, in the NLD Cup semi-final, followed by a home league game against Mansfield on March 20.

Team: Byrom; Eveleigh, Collishaw, Moore, Buddha; Cox, Clark; Barker, Tomlinson, Booley, Evans, Tatham, Webster, L Cove, Edwards. Subs: Henfrey, Naylor, Owen.
Tries: Moore, Eveleigh (2), Buddha. Conversions: Eveleigh (2). Penalty goal: Eveleigh.

Reporter: Rob Wildman