Spalding Seconds 7 Wisbech Firsts 5
Spalding Firsts 0 Shelford 17
Pre-season started for Spalding Rugby Club’s first and second team players in early July with the coaching staff of Ali Sharp, Phil Trotman, joined by Rob Lucas, former first team scrum half, setting out their stall with some very demanding sessions on Tuesday and Thursday training evenings.
With the rugby season starting with a home game against Nottingham University on Saturday, September 6 (kick off 3pm), pre-season games are vital.
On Saturday, Spalding took two teams to Wisbech Rugby Club being joined by Shelford, also bringing two teams.
It was Spalding Seconds who kicked off the first game against Wisbech first team, with a number of new players making their debuts for Spalding, along with former Colts players stepping up.
With the game being 20 minutes each half, it was Wisbech who started the brighter, being more cohesive but Spalding’s defence held up well, scrums were good as was the lineout work featuring Constable and Pite.
But shortly before half time, Wisbech pressure finally told with a break out wide leading to an unconverted try.
The second half was a different story as Spalding Seconds started to exert pressure and a great break by Charlie Beecham was continued by Owen Coon into contact, with Miguel Da Silva bursting through the final tackles to touch down.
The conversion by Beecham, and Spalding had a two-point advantage.
Wisbech threatened right at the end of the game but great defence meant Spalding held onto their lead.
This was a really outstanding performance, feature many new players, against an established first team.
Next up were Spalding Firsts against Shelford First team, who play two leagues higher, so the afternoon was going to be challenging for Spalding.
From the kick off, the speed of play was at a different level to what Spalding would normally come across in their league.
Likewise in the pack, Shelford players were on average ten kilos per man heavier, but Spalding’s pack held their own, giving scrum half Ben Shields time for his service to newly appointed captain and fly half Willis Ingleby.
The first score by Shelford was initially a well organised driving maul from a lineout gaining territory and then quick handling and pace in the backs and the first converted try after five minutes of play.
With half time approaching, another high speed break down the wing brought the second try, which was followed by superb defence on their try line by Spalding drawing a penalty at the breakdown and half time.
The second half saw Spalding nullify Shelford’s pacey backs with new centre Sam Booth standing out, but Spalding struggled to get their backs and wingers firing.
In the dying seconds Shelford stole down the wing for their third try.
The energy, pace and strength of Shelford’s semi-professional players stood out, but this was an excellent work out for Spalding firsts, showing that the team has potential to challenge at the top of their league this coming season, but a good start will be vital.
Next pre-season game is scheduled to be at home (Centenary Park) against Sleaford on Saturday, August 30.
