Athletic deliver a 10-try blitz to thrash Newark

With the bonus point secured by half-time, the side scored five tries in each half for what was eventually a comprehensive victory.

The early initiative all came from the home side and through Charlie Darlow they had two early tries on the board in the 2nd and 11th minutes, both of which were converted by James Mortimer for a 14-0 lead.

Newark’s first try came when Josh Hubbard crossed to score on 19 minutes.

Then Dave Fotheringham capitalised on a loose ball after Bedford had stolen an attacking lineout to cross for his side’s second try on 27 minutes. With Alex Scott kicking the conversion, Newark were right back in the game at 14-12.

Athletic hit back on the half hour mark as Tommy Mills burst through from 40m out for the third try, before Sven Meiland dived over for the bonus point score soon afterwards.

Bedford’s third try in this 10-minute burst before half-time came from another break through midfield as Andy Ince touched down. The successful conversion made it 33-12 at the break.

Athletic started the second half well, with Ben Middleton making hard yards through the centre of the defence before Nick Thomas touched down beside the posts. Mortimer converted.

From the kick off Bedford ran the ball back at their opponents, with Stephen Woodhead feeding David Simpson to score in the corner.

The Athletic pack were now rampant, and the try of the match came on the hour mark. The home scrum shunted their opponents out of the way, Woodhead burst through the visiting line and then the ball was moved at pace for Josh Cassell to dot down in the corner.

There were further tries to come when Rob Watkins fed Tom Orton to score on 66 minutes, and in the final 10 minutes when penetrative running down the left wing was finished off by Watkins for the 10th and final try.

Mortimer added a further three second half conversions, while Newark did have the final try of the day through Max Spurr.

The win keeps Bedford Athletic firmly at the top of the table. This Saturday they travel to third placed Newbold who themselves are pushing for promotion.