Spalding RFC 7
Kesteven 24
It’s now looking like Spalding RFC will need a miracle to avoid relegation from Midlands Two East (North) this season after a humbling 24-7 home loss to Lincolnshire rivals Kesteven on Saturday.
The Memorial Field defeat, an 11th from 12 league games so far this season, means Town are now 11 points adrift at the bottom of the table and 15 points from safety with ten games left to play.
At the start of the season, with expectations high, Spalding had travelled to Kesteven looking to start their campaign with an away victory – but were edged out 16-15 in a match that should have been won.
Fast-forward four months and it was a must-win game for The Elephants in their quest to avoid the drop.
Before Christmas, Spalding had been ravaged by injuries, unavailability and a virus when they travelled to Ashbourne, but thankfully the home team took to the field with most of their regular squad players back in action on Saturday.
The opening exchanges were even, with both teams probing for any weaknesses.
But, after ten minutes of play, Spalding were caught not releasing in a tackle and the opening penalty kick was slotted over by Kesteven.
The hosts refused to fold though and James West, fly-half, was using his tactical awareness well.
His kick over the top was followed up by left winger Adam Castle, who was held up just short of the try line.
Then, on the half-hour, Spalding opened their account. With a lineout won by Mark Haighton, the ball was moved swiftly along the backs and Castle burst through the middle to go under the posts, with West converting the try.
The 7-3 lead, however, was short lived. A pass from a ruck between Will Shields and Harry Winch went astray and Kesteven kicked through to the goal area.
The chase was won by the visitors’ centre, with a controversial touchdown, to restore their three-point lead.
To make matters worse, winger Mark Elsey strained his hamstring and had to be replaced by Gav Sharman.
Regardless of the injury worry, Spalding were struggling to impose any hold on the game and the half-time whistle provided them with an opportunity to regroup.
However, it was Kesteven who seized the initiative after the break.
Town were not helping themselves with the number of avoidable penalties being conceded – being offside at the breakdown and not releasing the more frustrating ones – which handed territory and possession to the visitors.
This resulted in sustained pressure from Kesteven and they reaped their reward with a converted try 15 minutes into the second half
Frustration was showing with Spalding’s tactics not working. The Elephants were being beaten to the breakdown and their forwards often chose the wrong option, resulting in turnover ball to the visitors.
Meanwhile, two of the fastest wingers in the league were being starved of the ball and West, who has an excellent kicking game and would have relieved much of the pressure, was not being used.
Late on Ash Piccaver was shown a yellow card for illegally trying to stop a Kesteven maul and they capitalised on their one-man advantage with a further converted try to seal victory
This was a disappointing performance from the home team and it is going to take a great escape for them to avoid relegation at the end of the season.
Spalding RFC: Mikey Watts, Sam Cowell, Josh Caley, Luke Turner, Mark Haighton, Luke Turner, Tom Duerden, Ash Piccaver, Harry Brown (captain), Will Shields, Mark Elsey, Harry Winch, George Brown, Adam Castle, George Douglas. Subs: John Barrett, Gav Sharman and Chris Douglas.
- Next games on Jan 21.
