Spalding RFC 7
Southwell 31
Rock-bottom Spalding RFC far from disgraced themselves as they pushed Midlands 2 East (North) high-fliers Southwell all the way on Saturday before succumbing to a 31-7 loss.
In a match of high quality and commitment, Town were right in the game until the last ten minutes when a couple of lapses in concentration let the visitors pull away for a bonus-point away win.
Spalding remain six points adrift at the foot as a result – and have now played a game more than nearest relegation rivals Nottingham Casuals.
The opening few minutes certainly didn’t help Spalding’s cause, with Southwell dominating possession and, in the third minute, they capitalised by scoring a well-worked converted try.
Even early on, Southwell were showing that they had plenty of confidence with a well-drilled pack and forceful centres. The Elephants were forced to defend, with flankers
Harry Waine and Richard Cooke always in the thick of things and centres Harry Winch and George Brown organising a press defence to close space and reduce their attacking options.
Having survived and starting to come into the game, using the pace of Gav Sharman on the wing, Spalding were rocked back when Southwell’s forward platform again gained them territory, resulting in a converted try for a lead of 14-0 on the half hour.
The hosts responded with Ash Piccaver, playing in the unaccustomed number eight position, breaking from the scrum and carrying the ball deep into the opposition’s half.
Quick ball from the ruck by scrum-half Will Shields to fly-half Crowson, who cut back inside his opposite number and went under the posts for a Town try.
With Crowson converting the try, the lead was cut to seven points for the final few minutes of the first half – and Spalding had Southwell rattled.
This carried on into the early stages of the second half, with Town on top as they challenged every ball and winning turnovers. Spalding’s forwards soon won a notable scrum against the head and Luke Turner came off the bench, replacing Harry Waine.
However, that momentum was halted when Southwell’s captain, who had previously played for Nottingham in the Championship, stepped forward as he controlled a well worked scrum on Spalding’s five metre line.
From the number eight position, he went over for an unopposed try.
Spalding still felt they were in with a shout, though, as forceful running by Brown was gaining territory and suddenly Sharman was released on the right wing.
Having outpaced the initial defence he attempted a kick over the final defender, but was foiled.
The forwards, with Mark Haighton at the front of the lineout, then won the ball and set up a maul, but Southwell defence held firm on their try line. Then, a couple of lapses in the final ten minutes saw Southwell ease away with two tries, which gave the scoreline something of an unfair feel.
The key difference between the two teams was the level of execution with Southwell always capitalising on their scoring opportunities
Spalding RFC: John Barrett, Sam Cowell, Josh Caley, Jordan Templer, Mark Heighton, Richard Cooke, Harry Waine, Ash Piccaver, Will Shields, Taylor Crowson, Gav Sharman, Harry Winch, George Brown, Huw Sharman, George Douglas. Subs: Luke Turner and Kieran Bailey.
Next league game: Dec 10 – Town v West Bridgford.
