Stamford 27
Spalding RFC 10
Two comeback tries from Harry Sharman couldn’t stop Spalding RFC soundly losing an early-season NLD Cup clash with Midlands Two East (North) rivals Stamford on Saturday.
Former skipper Sharman, who played at openside flank, was one of a number of new additions to the Town squad to feature – including Kier Moore’s first outing for the club in five years.
Two of Spalding’s up-and-coming younger players also made the squad this week, with Taylor Crowson starting on the right wing and George Freeman a replacement prop on the bench.
Playing against the wind in the first half, Spalding settled quickly and confidently and edged the early play.
Disaster struck on ten minutes though, as fly-half James West pulled his hamstring and was replaced by Jim Williams.
Stamford stepped up and within minutes, following good passing in their three quarters, they saw their right winger open the score in the corner for an unconverted try. With this encouragement
Stamford now took the opportunities that fell their way and from a lineout their number six, who had an outstanding game, increased the lead.
Despite the score, Spalding’s scrum was still getting the upper hand. Young locks Jordan Templar and Tim Waltham gave a solid platform to the front row allowing the two props, John Barrett and Moore, to dominate during the match.
However, ball retention in open play by the forwards was below standard, resulting in turnover ball to Stamford.
Making the most of one of these opportunities, the ball moved quickly along the line to their inside centre, who eased in for an unconverted try.
Worse followed as George Brown’s run of injuries continued with a bad knock to his ankle. As a result, Adam McHugh moved up to inside centre and Josh Finch came off the bench at fullback.
Frustration was brewing and Harry Brown was yellow carded for using his boot illegally in a ruck as possession was again lost.
With the half time whistle about to be blown Stamford’s number eight ran in under the posts for a converted try and gave the hosts a half-time lead of 22-0.
With the wind having increased and in Spalding’s favour, the only option was to take the game to the opposition.
Williams started to put some good kicks to touch or behind the opposition wingers to gain territory. Spalding’s lineout was working well, with Sharman jumping at four and giving good ball to Will Shields at scrum half.
However, every time there was a break the support play was not there and Harry Brown and Ash Piccaver in particular, were caught out on several occasions.
This resulted in turnover ball or a penalty for not releasing in a tackle. The scrum was still going well though – and Town eventually got on the scoresheet when Sharman broke around the blindside and went over the line in the corner. An excellent conversion by Charlie Seconde added to Town’s tally.
A few minutes later it looked like a repeat with Harry Brown at the base of the scrum picking up with Sharman in support.
However, the intended pass was intercepted by Stamford – who broke the length of the field for an unconverted try for a 20 point advantage with 11 minutes to play.
To Spalding’s credit they pressed and had Stamford under pressure for the remaining period and were rewarded when a quick tap penalty was taken and passed out wide to Sharman, who charged over for an unconverted try.
Stamford then held out for the last couple of minutes to clinch a 27-10 success.
Spalding RFC: John Barrett, Sam Cooke (captain), Kier Moore, Tim Waltham, Jordan Templar, Ash Piccaver, Harry Sharman, Harry Brown, Will Shields, James West, Taylor Crowson, George Brown, Ben Hoyles, Charlie Seconde and Adam McHugh. Subs: Jim Williams, George Freeman and Josh Finch.
