Spalding had a strong squad for their trip to Kesteven in the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire Challenge Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
The Grantham team pinned Spalding back in their own half at the start but steadily the tables were turned with Harry Brown’s penetrating carries making it Kesteven’s time to defend on their own try line, with James Lacey and Charlie Goodwin being held up.
The home team turned defence into attack after 20 minutes when their backs broke down the left wing and a crossfield kick gave them a simple run in for the opening converted try.
Kesteven’s backs were starting to look threatening with their pace and handling skills, but good defence by Spalding kept them out.
Spalding’s lineout was working well and Toby Wilks’ excellent throwing in saw Mark Haighton soar to secure good ball. From one of those the forwards rumbled forward, camping themselves on Kesteven’s try line, allowing Julian Davies to force his way over by the corner flag.
The home team responded with their experienced scrum half/fly half combination releasing the backs to move the ball along the line to score in the corner to give the hosts a 12-5 half-time advantage.
Spalding used their bench to bring on fresh legs but Kesteven started to build momentum as their scrum started to dominate and a poor kick by Spalding with 15 minutes remaining was seized on and allowed the right winger to score in the corner.
Two minutes later the hosts secured victory when their left wing raced in for a converted try.
Earlier in the day, Spalding Colts lost by a similar score at Nottingham Casuals in their NLD Cup semi-final against a classy outfit, which featured several players from the Leicester Tigers development squad.
