Spalding RFC’s talented under-18 side returned to action after nearly a month off with an impressive 10-0 derby win at fierce rivals Stamford under-18s.
Tries in each half from Harry Cole and skipper Adam Castle got the job done for Town, who had expected to struggle on a surface that wasn’t conducive for good running rugby.
Still, they travelled with a squad of 16 to take on a Stamford side that boasted a much bigger pool of players to pick from – and soon seized control of the clash.
Playing down the slope in the first half, Spalding received the kick from Stamford. They did start well, working the ball up the park through some well-drilled rucks.
After ten minutes the Town teens were rewarded with a try by Cole, which wasn’t converted.
The remainder of the half was scoreless, but Spalding did have some useful possession that they failed to convert into points.
Stamford managed a few attacks as the visitors gave away too many penalties, but Spalding’s defence did perform well.
Indeed, the closer Stamford got to the Spalding try line, the better the defence became.
The multiple penalties did result in a Town player spending five minutes either side of half-time in the sin bin.
The second half started much in the same fashion, with Spalding – even though they were a man down – looking in control and driving into the Stamford half.
Town comfortably held their own as Stamford continued to exert pressure, repelling their hosts each time they attempted to get points on the board.
When they attacked, Spalding managed to gain a penalty in the Stamford 22 and decided to kick for goal – but the chance of three points went begging.
With the visitors bidding to clinch their victory, one of their attacks was finally fruitful. Following several phases of ruck ball, play was moved wide to fly-half and captain Castle.
He went on an arcing run and his pace took him through the Stamford midfield and in for the second try, which was not converted.
The game continued much in the same vein, with Stamford utilising the penalties they were awarded to make ground into the Spalding half, but robust defence came to the rescue and the away line was not breached.
It was a great team performance – with the middle of the lineout working particularly well – and, despite the conditions, all of the players showed a lot of commitment.
The match was played in a good spirit, with both sets of players looking forward to a return leg in the not too distant future.
Town under-18s: Finlay Peters, Ciaran Thompson, Mark Hendy, Conal Mason, Will Morgan, Adam Castle (captain), Ben Shields, Harry Cole, Alex Watson, Jake Morris, Chris Emery, Elliot Kulleseid, Ed Williams, Will Pite, Fraser Leiper and Finlay Smyllie.
