Spalding RFC 49
Notts Moderns 19
Rampant Gav Sharman ran in five tries on Saturday as Spalding RFC blitzed Nottingham Moderns 49-19 to go third in the Midlands Three East (North) table.
Town maintained their 100 per cent home record at the Memorial Field, making it four wins from as many games as they moved to within three points of second-placed Belper in the standings.
However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Elephants in their seventh league fixture of the campaign.
Visitors Moderns realised that they may be outgunned by the Spalding forwards and attacked straight from the kick-off, spreading the ball wide along their backs.
And, after only a couple of minutes, they were rewarded with an opening converted try.
Moderns’ confidence rose as Town struggled to get into the game, not helped by a number of penalties conceded at the breakdown.
Again, they were spreading the ball wide for their strong running centres and, with only eight minutes on the clock, the away side waltzed in for a second converted try and a lead of 14 points – leaving Spalding stunned.
The Town reaction was to go back to basics, using their forwards to carry in open play, gaining territory, led by Ash Anker, Luke Turner and George Berry.
It also became clear after the first couple of scrums that the superiority lay with Spalding, with the front three of Jacob Greaves, John Barrett and Kev Hudson laying down an excellent platform throughout the afternoon.
With their first foray deep into Moderns’ 22, the ball went wide along the backs and centre Tom Wilson’s quick pass released Sharman to round the defence to open the scoring.
Moderns then missed a penalty kick opportunity as the game flowed back and forth, but again Town’s forwards were dominant, punching big holes in the visitors defence.
Captain on the day Will Shields was enjoying the time and space to whip the ball out to fly-half Conall Mason – and this time on the other wing, a long pass out by Willis Ingleby saw Ben Shields in for Spalding’s second try.
Having provided the scoring pass, Ingleby then produced a strong run and forced his way through to score. And, with his conversion, the Elephants edged into a narrow lead.
Ash Piccaver was also showing what a handful he can be with the ball in hand, making some powerful carries and breaking through tackles. He was next over for another try which sealed the bonus point.
Just on half time another superb quick pass by centre Wilson saw Sharman over in the corner once again.
Spalding went into half time with a 13-point advantage, which was no mean feat having been down by 14 points after the opening eight minutes.
Momentum in the second half was lost, however, as the referee continued to find fault at the breakdown and, with the penalty count mounting, Piccaver fell victim to a yellow card.
A revival was needed – and Harry Sharman duly provided it. The forwards encamped themselves deep inside Moderns’ 22, with the try line in reach. Ruck after ruck followed, as Spalding drove forward and finally Harry Sharman was able to reach out and score.
Coach George Reid then rang the changes from the subs bench, with Piccaver and Hudson replaced by Tim Waltham and Harry Cole, while the Shields duo also switching positions.
But it was Gav Sharman who now stole the show with three further outstanding tries in the last 20 minutes, demonstrating a turn of pace that nobody could live with and an eye for a gap.
Moderns picked up a solitary try in the second half, but once Spalding started motoring the visitors were unable match their powerful forward play or the pace and skill of the backs.
Town take a break from league action this Saturday when they host Newark in the NLD Shield (2pm).
Spalding RFC: Jacob Greaves, John Barrett, Kev Hudson, Ash Piccaver, Luke Turner, Edward Williams, Ash Ankar, Harry Sharman, Will Shields, Conall Mason, Gav Sharman, Willis Ingleby, Tom Wilson, Ben Shields, George Douglas. Subs (all used): George Berry, Tim Waltham, Harry Cole.
