An outstanding home game saw Spalding lower the colours of Counties One Midlands East (North) leaders Market Rasen & Louth
Superb defence from both teams cut down any thoughts of a running/backs game and it took a late penalty for the hosts to grab the points.
Spalding were unbeaten in five league games versus the visitors, while the visitors had only one defeat to their name.
A scintillating encounter was decided in front of the posts when captain Willis Ingleby slotted over with just a couple of minutes remaining.
The opening minutes saw both teams testing each other out. Although a shade lighter in the scrum, Spalding held their own but the back row of Will Shields, Jack Lambe, and Jack Grundy all had outstanding games, generally bossing the breakdown area.
Lock Henry Hobson was used as first receiver from lineouts and worked tirelessly, becoming a thorn in Rasen’s side, setting up numerous rucks for scrum half Jim Wraith to distribute the ball out to his backs or another carry by the forwards.
After 22 minutes Lambe stole through a gap in Rasen’s defence and forced his way over the try line. Ingleby slotted over the conversion.
The start of the second half was a fierce and tough battle as Rasen looked to get back into the game, with great defence needed by Spalding on their try line.
Rasen kept threatening, using their two big centres and with eight minutes remaining, the visitors broke through to score next to the posts. The conversion levelled the scores.
Spalding upped their game to a new height, with driving carries by Elliot Humphreys, Luke Turner and Miguel da Silva and as they drove into Rasen’s 22, the visitors infringed at the breakdown, giving Ingleby the chance to slot over the winning penalty.
Although Spalding remain fifth in the table, they have narrowed the gap on the leaders, going into this week’s trip to Nottingham side Mellish.
Elephants: Broome, Humphreys, Turner, Da Silva, Hobson, Lambe, W Shields, Grundy, Wraith, Ingleby, Creak, Booth, Patrick, B Shields, Machin. Subs: Firth, Beecham, Parker.
- Spalding 1923s were well beaten 51-19 by a strong Market Rasen & Louth Seconds.
Stand-out player for the hosts was scrum half Chris Crane, with a try and an assist.
Ben Bettinson also impressed, playing fly half for the first time, having previously played at centre or on the wing.
Finlay Roy and Mark Batterbee were the two other try scores for Spalding with Bettinson adding two conversions.
