SLEAFORD RFC 38
SPALDING RFC 26
A late Ashton Capes try earned Spalding RFC a losing bonus point in an otherwise disappointing 38-26 derby defeat at Sleaford on Saturday.
Town – relegated last season – are just a point above the bottom two in Midlands Three East (North) after suffering their eighth defeat from 11 games so far.
With wind blowing down the pitch in their favour, the Elephants immediately took the game to Sleaford and encamped themselves on the five metres line for the opening ten minutes.
With early signs of domination in the scrums, the forwards opted to pick and drive for the line – only to be denied by last minute defence on the try line.
Having survived, Sleaford started to gain territory and put pressure on Spalding’s defensive abilities. A pass back from a ruck looking for a clearance kick saw them charge down in the dead ball area for a scrum.
A pass along the backs saw the home side’s outside centre easily slice through Town’s defence for the opening converted try.
Spalding’s response was immediate. From a deep restart kick, possession was won and fly-half Dan Adams made a penetrating run through the heart of Sleaford’s defence.
With support on his shoulder, scrum-half Ben Shields finished off the move by scoring near the posts, with Capes converting.
Spalding’s front row, with Pete Waudby making a welcome return alongside Kev Hudson and John Barrett, were starting to make life uncomfortable for their opposite numbers.
And, with a good drive coming from locks Dave McClaren and George Berry, Town controlled a scrum deep inside Sleaford’s half.
Ben Shields went blindside, feeding winger Capes who beat two defenders to score and converted to establish a lead for the first time.
However, Spalding’s weakness on the day was poor tackling, which handed Sleaford the opportunity to level the scores.
Spalding’s lineout was working very well with Kieran Bailey taking control and giving a masterclass in his art.
However, trying a throw in to the front saw Sleaford steal the ball to establish a half-time lead of five points.
The opening 15 minutes of the second half saw Sleaford secure victory. It started with their centre running strongly out of his 22 metres and, with poor tackles from Spalding, a converted try under the posts was followed again by poor tackling on Sleaford’s number eight, as he burst through from the half-way line.
By now, Pete Smith was on for Dave McClaren and Will Shields for Harry Cole, who sustained a cut above his eye.
It was Will Shields’ quick thinking from a penalty which brought up Spalding’s third try.
Town could now salvage something from the match by either scoring a fourth try or by being within seven points of their hosts – but again, a defensive lapse gifted Sleaford a gaping hole for their centre to gratefully run through and score.
Throughout the afternoon Spalding’s spirit was evident and it was some of the younger players who stood out. Ben Shields had an excellent day at scrum-half, with his positive passing from scrum or ruck.
George Douglas, with some fine clearance kicks from full-back, also impressed.
In his first season of rugby, Capes capped a fine afternoon with his second try late on. Spalding’s scrum was dominant and Adams broke down the blindside and passed to Capes to score in the corner.
His excellent conversion allowed Town to secure a bonus point with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
Spalding’s next league game is at home to Ashby on December 9.
Spalding RFC: Peter Waudby, John Barrett, Kev Hudson, Dave McClaren, George Berry, Kieran Bailey, Harry Cole, Jason Steels, Ben Shields, Dan Adams, Gav Sharman, George Brown Tom Wilson, Ashton Capes, George Douglas. Subs: Will Shields, Pete Smith and George Reid.
