SPALDING RFC 20
ASHBY RFC 17
Former captain Harry Sharman made a surprise return as Spalding RFC roared to their best win of the Midlands Three East (North) season so far on Saturday.
Tries from Jason Steels, Ashton Capes and George Douglas – plus a key penalty from Willis Ingleby – got the job done for Town as they beat high-flying Ashby 20-17 at the Memorial Field.
Lying second in the league, Ashby travelled to struggling Spalding in the expectation of consolidating their league position and closing the gap on leaders Long Eaton.
However, the Elephants always step up their game when up against tough opposition – especially at home – with the classic example being the narrow loss in a pulsating game earlier in the season against table-topping Long Eaton.
Buoyed by the surprise inclusion of Sharman at number eight, Dave McClaren also came in at lock, with Dan Adams retaining the fly-half position after impressing coach George Reid.
Douglas also returned at full-back, meaning Adam McHugh found himself playing outside centre alongside George Brown.
From the kick-off, Ashby took immediate control of the match, only for solid home defence to keep them out.
The first scoring opportunity fell to Town, when Ashby failed to release in the tackle, but Capes’ penalty kick failed narrowly.
Within a matter of seconds Spalding were back on the attack, using their forwards to gain territory with their pick and drives. Steels, playing openside flanker, burst through a few tackles for the opening unconverted try.
Spalding now exerted constant pressure on the visitors, with or without the ball, which was to last the whole of the first half.
For the second week running, Town’s front row of Peter Waudby, John Barrett and Kev Hudson was putting Spalding’s scrum on the front foot, giving Sharman and scrum-half Will Shields options at the base of the scrum. And, for a change, both wingers Gav Sharman and Capes were receiving good ball and were able to shine.
With several runs Gav Sharman threatened to open up Ashby down the left wing with only last ditch tackles preventing several scoring opportunities.
But, with just a couple of minutes to go before half-time from a ruck deep inside Ashby territory, Harry Sharman broke right and quick passing between the centres created a gap for Capes to dive in at the corner for a 10-0 lead.
Luke Turner replaced McClaren at lock and shortly after the restart George Brown limped off to be replaced by Ingleby, who was immediately called upon with a penalty kick, which sailed just wide.
It is always difficult to keep Ash Piccaver out of the game and he started to feature with his forceful breaks around the tackle area, but it was Douglas popping up from full-back – taking the ball at pace – who crashed over for Spalding’s third try.
With Ingleby converting, Town had built up an impressive 17 point lead.
Ashby then demonstrated why they are second in the league as they staged a comeback in the last quarter, albeit aided by a drop off in Spalding’s intensity with their cover defence going AWOL.
Within a two-minute spell the visitors scored two tries and closed the difference between the teams to only five points.
A nervous touchline started think the unthinkable and with Harry Sharman going off injured replaced by Harry Cole, McHugh’s experienced leadership kicked in to steady the ship.
To great relief Ashby infringed some 30 metres from the posts and Ingelby successfully slotted over the penalty kick, increasing Spalding’s lead to a crucial eight points.
But, with nearly the last play, the visitors snatch a further try to earn a losing bonus point.
For three quarters of this match Spalding shut out the second best team in the league. The forwards established the platform, especially at the scrum and breakdown, for the ball to be passed out wide and the backs were then able to inflict the damage on Ashby with their pace.
More performances like this should see Town climb away from any relegation dangers – making it their most successful afternoon in recent memory.
The Elephants visit Birstall this Saturday (2.15pm) for what is their final game of the year.
Spalding RFC: Pete Waudby, John Barrett, Kev Hudson, Dave McClaren, Ash Piccaver, Richard Cooke (captain), Jason Steels, Harry Sharman, Will Shields, Dan Adams, Gav Sharman, George Brown, Adam McHugh, Ashton Capes, George Douglas. Subs: Luke Turner, Harry Cole and Willis Ingleby
