Elks overcome Newark in a scrappy encounter.

Elks began well with the scrum dominant forcing Newark to concede penalties, Newark used the boot downhill to gain decent territory, they tried a cross field kick which was well gathered by the winger to register the first try after 10 mins, extras missed making it 0-5.

Elks continued to dominate in the scrum but breakdown penalties were allowing Newark to clear any danger, the Elks finally linked some phases of play together from an attacking scrum, the ball was moved left and recycled and then moved back to the right, Dan Taylor made a break and fed Alex Ayres on the inside, he powered through the gap to level the scores, extras missed making it 5-5 after 21 mins.

Newark responded well with an attack which took them to the Elks 5 metre line, they were penalised for crossing which probably cost them another try.

Elks cleared their lines and attacked from the ensuing line out, Joe Marsden made a good break and fed Angus Hulme who made another 20 metres, he offloaded to Luke Bayliss who sprinted in to score after 32 mins, extras missed making it 10-5.

Both sides suffered numerous injuries and some powerful tackling took its toll, this resulted in a 50 minute half with no further scores registered.

Elks were now downhill and looking to extend their lead, they came close through Jack Partington who was held up over the line, the Elks then messed up several chances to score with indecision and poorly executed passing, the Elks finally produced a great spell of slick passing and handling to put Luke Bayliss in for his second try after 58 mins, extras missed making it 15-5.

Credit to Newark who battled hard up the hill and scored in the left corner after 65 mins, well converted from out wide making it 15-12.

Elks went hard at Newark but spirited defence kept Elks out, the continued pressure eventually told as Greg Taylor found some space and crashed through to score after 74 mins, extras missed making it 20-12.

Newark finished well and had two penalty shots to try for a losing bonus point, but both were missed making it 20-12 at full time.

Although the game was not high on skill level the commitment from both sides was excellent and there were many bruised and battered bodies in a game which lasted 100 minutes due to stoppages for injuries.

The game was fairly disjointed although the scrum was dominant and Man of the Match goes to one of the pack in the shape of Simon Bennett who had a great shift in the second row and carried numerous balls in attack.

Next week see the final league encounter against Newbold upon Avon who have had a fantastic season since being promoted, the Elks will want to show they are a better side than the one who got well beaten early in the season at Newbold, kick off 3.00pm