RUGBY UNION: Clarke red-carded as Witney outclassed by Blues

WITNEY were overpowered in a 36-19 defeat at Newbury Blues.

The visitors’ cause was not helped by the sending off of centre Matt Clarke and injuries to scrum half Gareth Campbell and prop Matt Calley.

Witney trailed 5-3 and 17-14 at different points, but Newbury came on strong in the final half hour.

Flankers Paul Hackett and Josh Love plus wing Jamie Futcher all scored try doubles for Newbury, with fly half Richard West kicking three conversions.

Fly half Henry Lamb slotted a drop goal and a penalty, while prop Jamie Burke scored after the hosts had two players yellow-carded.

That made it 17-11 at half-time, while Lamb added a further penalty and Charlie Bennett scored from a rolling maul.

But Newbury ran away with it after Clarke’s red card.

Grove lie bottom of the table without a point after losing 25-3 at home to Towcestrians.

Despite dominating the first-half territory, Grove trailed 7-0 after Kieron Frost’s try was converted by James Falvey.

Grove’s Harry Carr slotted a penalty after break, but Falvey replied in kind.

Play became disjointed with six yellow cards given out.

Ben Roe and Craig Holton added further Towcestrians tries, with Falvey converting one and adding a penalty.

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