Spalding Colts suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Ilkeston in the NLD Colts Bowl Final at Chesterfield.
A penalty from the last play of the match secured the Derbyshire side a 13-12 victory.
Spalding took an early lead when Jack Bowser sliced through Ilkeston’s defence for the opening try, with James Holland converting
Ilkeston battled hard against the wind but with half-time approaching, the hosts secured a ruck on the left. Fly half Henry Duce launched his backs and winger Sam Christie showed his staggering pace for an excellently worked try to open a 12-point interval lead.
Play was all in Spalding’s half after the break but good tackles came in from Jack Lambe and Josh Brooks.
However, 15 minutes into the second half the pressure told with a converted try.
Spalding gave away too many penalties at the breakdown and a successful kick put just two points between the teams with 10 minutes remaining.
A staggering 50-20 kick took Ilkeston right into Spalding’s 22 but at the breakdown the hosts were penalised for not rolling away and Ilkeston slotted over the kick to win by the narrowest of margins.
Spalding Seconds warmed up for their NLD semi-final on Saturday with a convincing win over Stamford College Old Boys.
They emerged 71-20 victors to lift morale ahead of their home clash with Leesbrook, 3pm.
Pictures from the seconds below.
