Defiant Spalding RFC captain Ryan Chappell still believes that his struggling young side can beat the drop in Midlands One East this season.
Town go into Saturday’s home clash with Bugbrooke (2.15pm) as the division’s basement boys – having lost all 13 of their league games so far this campaign.
They were beaten 91-0 at Bedford Athletic last weekend (see page 38) and are nine points adrift at the foot.
But Chappell, who replaced Harry Sharman as club captain earlier this month, doesn’t believe that all is lost.
With Mansfield, Newark and Belgrave all deemed “catchable”, Town ace Chappell is refusing to buy into the idea of writing off the season.
He said: “I do see this season as a learning curve for the team.
“I don’t think that anybody else at this level will have as many teenagers in their side as we do.
“I’ve heard people say that we should just write this season off and concentrate on next year, but I refuse to accept that.
“We’re only halfway through the season and there are teams above us that are catchable.
“Yes, we’ve lost all 13 games. But we only need a few wins or bonus points to get ourselves back in the mix with the teams above us.”
Chappell, who should return to the squad at the Memorial Field on Saturday, is without Ben Williams and rumoured Peterborough Lions target Alex Ioannou against sixth-placed Bugbrooke.
He’s expecting a tough game against a side that smashed Spalding 62-3 on the second day of the season back in September, but feels a win is just around the corner.
“I remember that they absolutely humbled us earlier in the season,” recalled Chappell. “It was a game that really opened our eyes to the standard of the league.
“Having been promoted, we weren’t used to that kind of loss.
“I think that it’s key for us to stay positive. All I’m asking of the lads is that they give their all.
“If you can look into each other’s eyes and know you’ve given 100 per cent, that’s all that matters.
“It’s been tough, but I’m convinced that a win is just around the corner.”
Saturday’s Midlands One East fixtures (2.15pm): Bedford Ath v Belgrave; Mkt Rasen & Louth v Kettering; Newark v Ilkeston; Old Northamptonians v Huntingdon & District; Paviors v Derby; Spalding v Bugbrooke; Syston v Mansfield.
