Spalding RFC 26
Newark RFC 53
It’s now nine Midlands One East defeats on the trot for winless Spalding RFC – and skipper Harry Sharman admits that the club’s plight this season has gone past being worrying.
Town did look set to finally end their unwanted streak at the Memorial Field on Saturday when they raced into a comfortable half-time lead thanks to scores from Josh Broome, Pete Waudby and Harry Brown.
But they capitulated under intense Newark pressure in the second period, with only a score from Waudby earning them a losing bonus point in the closing stages.
It’s another bitter loss to swallow for Sharman and his rock-bottom charges, but the skipper is now looking at things with different eyes.
With relegation currently looking odds-on, the captain just wants his team to focus on improving their performances on the field – instead of continually talking about getting that first win.
“I think we lost the game in the first half,” said the long-serving leader. “We did well, but really needed 30 or 40 points on the board.
“We just couldn’t get over the line enough of the time, our dominance in that first period warranted a better lead.
“When Newark came out with the wind at their backs in the second half they really steam-rollered us.
“I saw a few heads go again, which was disappointing if I’m honest.
“But we need to start getting the club right on the pitch again. It’s all about the performances for me.
“I think we’ve gone beyond being worried about our plight this season and relegation does look a distinct possibility.
“But we need to forget about that. I want to see the strongest side out on the field and I want to see the team enjoying their rugby again.
“Hopefully we’ll all start pointing in the right direction together soon – and when that happens, results are never too far behind.”
The pick of Town’s tries on Saturday came from young talent Broome, who intercepted a pass some 80 yards from the line and ran the length of the Memorial Field pitch to touch down.
Two quick-fire scores from Waudby and Brown in the first period then did look set to spark that maiden victory, but the second period was a totally different story.
Town now have a free weekend, with their scheduled Lincs Cup clash with Scunthorpe postponed. Old Northamptonians (away) is their next game on November 15.
Spalding RFC: Jacob Hutson, Sam Cooke, Pete Waudby, Mark Haighton, Ash Piccaver, Ed Duerden, Tom Duerden, Harry Brown, Will Shields, Dan Mackie, George Brown, Ryan Chappell (captain), Will Moore, Josh Broome, Rob Lucas, Josh Caley, Ben Williamson and Tim Waltham.
