Spalding RFC 14
Loughborough RFC 17
Table-toppers Loughborough produced a strong second-half comeback to hand Spalding RFC a third successive Midlands Two East (North) defeat on Saturday.
Town – who went into the game in the bottom two – looked set to get their first league win of the season after an impressive first-half showing at the Memorial Field.
But the Elephants succumbed to a try from Stephen Sands in the closing stages and are just above basement boys Nottingham Casuals on points difference.
With the continued absence of captain Harry Brown through injury, Spalding were boosted by the return of Ash Piccaver to bolster the pack – meaning last week’s debutant Jake Turner dropped to the bench.
Also returning were fly half James West, having played for the RAF under-21s during the week, and centre Harry Winch.
The game started with both teams sizing each other up, but Town sprang an opening surprise with a counter attack through Winch and Adam McHugh, which took them deep into Loughborough’s half.
But the ball was still live with possession being retained and Piccaver announced his return to the side as he crashed over in the corner for the opening try. And, with an excellent conversion from West, Spalding were seven points up after six minutes.
Loughborough soon stepped up their efforts, with the forwards leading the way with a superior pack prompted by their captain James Busby at scrum-half.
A pick and drive by their forwards saw Spalding defending just inside their half. But, as the visitors spread the ball along their backs, Adam Castle stepped in and intercepted to score a superb try under the posts.
West duly converted to put Spalding 14-0 up after 20 minutes.
You could visibly see Spalding’s confidence grow with their lineout working well, led by Mark Haighton and ably supported by Piccaver, while McHugh was making a real impact with his strong running in the centre.
But Loughborough were not lying down and they worked their way upfield and, as both packs were contesting for the ball, the referee gave Jacob Hutson a ten-minute rest as he produced a yellow card.
The away side capitalised on Spalding’s weakened pack and a collapsed scrum saw a successful penalty kick as the half-time whistle went.
The momentum had now shifted towards Loughborough – helped by territory being conceded through some unnecessary penalties.
Their fly-half, Alex Chuqi-Cruz, was kicking well to touch and, with their middle of the line jumper having a good day, the ball was worked down the blind side to James Busby for a converted try.
Spalding’s defence was to be tested to the full for most of the remaining game.
They contested superbly at every breakdown, never giving an inch, and the team work during this period was outstanding. Lock Mikey Watts was constantly to the fore, with Richard Cooke also very prominent. Indeed, every player was playing their part as Spalding defended the four-point lead.
When possession came their way, West was giving a masterclass in clearance kicks to touch to relieve pressure and gain territory, but the visitors just kept coming back.
Finally, with less than ten minutes remaining, Loughborough had their reward – but it came from an unexpected source.
Spalding counter-attacked with George Douglas, full back, coming into the line and putting up a good kick deep into the away half. Loughborough’s full-back gathered under pressure and offloaded the inside centre.
With Spalding’s defence, for once, spread out and disorganised, the gap was there for centre Sands to show his strength and speed and, with the covering defence struggling, a converted try was scored to snatch the win.
Spalding RFC: Jacob Hutson, Josh Caley, Sam Cowell, Mikey Watts, Mark Heighton, Ash Piccaver, Richard Cooke, Jordan Templer, Will Shields, James West, Adam Castle, Harry Winch, Adam McHugh, Gavin Sharman, George Douglas. Subs: Luke Turner, Kieran Bailey and Huw Sharman.
Saturday: Market Bosworth v Spalding RFC (3pm).
