Dunstablians 38 Spalding RFC 11
Spalding RFC kicked off their new Midlands Three East (South) with a 38-11 defeat at Dunstablians on Saturday.
Looking at the score, you’d think that Town had been very well beaten during their opening fixture.
However, for the first 20 minutes the Elephants were encamped in the Dustablians half – stifling any possession that the home team could muster with their pack of forwards, led by captain Luke Turner carrying and going through multiple phases.
Ash Anker, playing hooker, and lock Connor Liliburn were also standing out with their energy and commitment, while flanker Will Shields was using his speed to the breakdown to excellent effect.
Marshalling the forwards was scrum-half Adam Sutcliffe, who was highly effective throughout.
But, from their first visit inside Spalding’s half after 23 minutes, Dunstablians launched a move out wide on the right wing and, with a couple of missed tackles, they were under the posts for a converted try.
At this stage, both teams seemed fairly evenly matched.
Spalding’s line-out was working well, with Will Shields’ jump at the front, while in the scrums Dunstablians were steadily gaining an advantage by putting number eight Harry Brown under pressure when going for a quick pick up and carry.
With half-time fast approaching, a penalty kick was awarded to Spalding and dispatched by Conall Mason, ensuring there was all to play for in the second half.
Indeed, Town started the second half well with flanker Harry Cole using his speed and strength to punch holes in the home defence.
Another infringement at the breakdown by the hosts saw Mason kick a further penalty, leaving Spalding just one point behind.
However, the next few minutes found Town in disarray. From the restart, Dustablians’ lock caught the high ball and burst through the Spalding defence and ran under the posts for a converted try.
Within a couple of minutes, Dunstablians’ fly-half, on the half way line, kicked deep behind Town’s left wing Callum Lewis, who turned to chase back.
The ball reached the in goal area and Lewis was outpaced to the touchdown by his opposite number.
Suddenly, Spalding were adrift by 13 points.
The Elephants rallied and went hunting for a score and, at a ruck centre, Taylor Crowson was over the ball but was cleaned out, twisted and landed on his neck.
After attention he walked off the pitch to be replaced by Mattie Holmes going onto the wing with Lewis moving to centre.
However, before they had time to properly organise themselves Dunstablians’ fly-half found his left winger with a good cross-field kick and he ran clear for a try.
Spalding were now unsettled and matters were not helped when Cole was yellow carded, but Dunstablians also lost a man to a red card and Ed Williams came off the bench to replace Brown.
Dunstablians were now looking far more fluent than Town and had the confidence to pass, run and support.
But Spalding, again through the forwards, battled back and turned possession into points with Turner driving over the line with seven minutes to play.
Undeterred, it was Dustablians who were on top, spreading the ball along their back line orchestrated by their fly-half.
With pace and support play they were again down the right wing and after a pass over the top, which cut out two defenders, the home supporters were cheering another try.
Just before the final whistle, Dunstablians again broke down the wing and a sleek pass inside to the supporting runner saw the final converted try.
Town now turn their attention to their first home game of the league this Saturday, with Huntington & District the visitors (3pm).
Spalding RFC: Tom Parker, Ash Anker, Luke Turner, Macaulay Crane, Connor Liliburn, Harry Cole, Will Shields, Harry Brown, Adam Sutcliffe, Conall Mason, Callum Lewis, Taylor Crowson, Gav Sharman, Ben Shields, George Douglas. Subs: Miguel Da Silva, Mattie Holmes and Ed Williams.
