Spalding RFC 1st have pulled off an unlikely feat by escaping relegation with one match to spare.
A 29-5 win at Bakewell Mannerians on Saturday (April 9), coupled with defeat for Mansfield means the Elephants are safe for another season in Midlands 2 East (North).
After a pretty dire campaign on the field – which looked like ending in demotion until a remarkable 26-19 win at home to Ashbourne on April 2 – and a very difficult time off the pitch with the death of club chairman Geof Nichols in January, the final outcome represents a welcome end to a forgettable season at the Memorial Field.
Spalding can now finish the league campaign at home to Coalville on Saturday (April 16) under no pressure. The task then will be to build a stronger challenge for next season – fortunately at the same league standard.
Results: Ashbourne 26 Stamford 24; Bakewell Mannerians 5 Spalding 29; Dronfield 51 Nottingham Casuals 27; Mansfield 12 Melbourne 24; West Bridgford 20 Market Bosworth 11
