Match Report: Newmarket 28 – 14 Southwold

Southwold were edged out in a tightly contested league encounter away at Newmarket on Saturday, with discipline proving the decisive factor in an otherwise even and hard-fought contest.

The hosts struck first from a well-executed lineout move, spreading the ball wide to score in the corner for a 7–0 lead. Wold responded with purpose, applying sustained pressure inside the Newmarket 22. A quick tap taken sharply by Charles Buckley caught the defence napping, allowing Southwold to level the scores at 7–7.

Momentum continued to build as Southwold’s forwards worked through several strong phases from a scrum, with Nick Saunders eventually forcing his way over in the corner to give Wold a deserved 14–7 advantage going into the break.

Newmarket came out strongly after half-time and drew level early, taking a quick tap penalty close to the line to make it 14–14. The game then turned during a difficult spell for Southwold, as a succession of penalties allowed Newmarket to move the ball wide and score, with Wold reduced to 13 men following yellow cards for Tom Keeble and Theo Kenny.

With the numerical advantage, Newmarket capitalised again, moving the ball efficiently through phases to score out wide and extend their lead to 28–14.

Despite the setback, Southwold continued to compete with commitment and determination until the final whistle. There were strong individual efforts across the pitch, and plenty of positives to take from a performance that was much closer than the scoreline suggests.

A tough lesson, but one that will sharpen the group as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Arn the Wold!