Newark held on against determined Lincoln amid the rain and wind during a weather-hit afternoon at Kelham Road on Saturday.

Tries early doors from front-rower Jed Chapple and wing Joe Doubell rewarded a bright start by Newark to record a fourth win from five games in Counties 1 Midlands East (North) by a 17-14 scoreline.

A conversion from James Tarbatt helped Newark to a 12-7 lead at half-time, Lincoln having bustled over in the lead up to the interval.

After that, it was a collective effort to hold out in the second half aided by wing Toby Waller scoring in the corner for Newark’s third try.

Lincoln set home nerves off when they scored a second try from a forward drive to set up an edgy finish which culminated in them failing to land a long-range penalty which would have earned a draw.

Overall, Newark deserved the points for their enterprising play in the first half which featured a debut at fly half for Billy Tanoa.

Newark’s attacking intent had Lincoln back pedalling early on when Chapple rounded off some sustained pressure by forcing his way over. Tarbatt added the conversion.

The second try came wide on the left when Doubell raced onto Tarbatt’s skilful kick ahead which had the Lincoln defence struggling to clear a slippery ball.

Lincoln replied near half-time to put them back in a match increasingly slowed by the rain and wind.

However, Newark’s third score - a sweeping attack towards the right flank - brought a 17-7 advantage. Lincoln grew stronger as the match wore on and a second try set off those home nerves.

Man-of-the-match awards went to centre Joshie Waqalevu for his strong running and linking, especially in the first half, and the leadership of back-rower Sean Denning.

Next up for Newark is a trip to Loughborough University 2nds on Saturday for a match between the third and fourth-placed teams.

The students won 41-0 at Mellish to claim third place behind leaders Southwell, who beat Keyworth 43-0, and Lincoln who slipped from top place to second.

Newark 2nds had a tough afternoon at Ollerton, losing 50-10 but the Colts win a friendly at Keyworth, 45-24, Gideon Hawley contributing three tries.

Newark: Germany, Chapple, Wilson, Moss, Mack, Brogden, O’Leary, Denning, Tarbatt, Tanoa, Doubell, Marshall, Waqalevu, Waller, Walton. Subs: Brooks-Bowen, Codd, Catley.