Northampton Men’s Own 40 Spalding RFC 28
It’s now four defeats in five Midlands Three East (South) games for Spalding RFC after a 40-28 defeat at Northampton Men’s Own on Saturday.
A three-try burst from the hosts mid-way through the second half set up the victory for the hosts, but Town did at least fight back to secure a losing bonus point thanks to a pair of late tries.
This was the clash between two teams lying towards the wrong end of the table after disappointing starts to the season.
Spalding travelled with a squad boosted by the respective returns of Ash Anker, Adam Sutcliffe, Gav Sharman and Taylor Crowson all returning, while second team captain Richard Stevenson was making his debut in the front row.
However, skipper Luke Turner and Will Shields remained on the sideline, leaving vice captain George Brown to lead the Elephants out onto the field.
The opening exchanges saw the home team start with more fluency on a good pitch.
They opened the scoring after eight minutes from open play, as Men’s Own moved the ball through their backs and their left winger was in at the corner for a try.
Spalding’s forwards were, however, gaining a slight upper hand in the scrums allowing number eight Jason Steels, making a welcome return, to pick up at the base and feed centre Taylor Crowson just inside Northampton’s half.
Crowson cut loose and sped past the first tackler before leaving a further three defenders in his wake with his speed and footwork to score an exceptional try.
And, with fly-half Conall Mason converting, Spalding had a slight advantage.
With the wind blowing down the pitch, Town had possession both from lineouts and the scrum, which was solid and secure.
Outside centre Harry Waine was making ground with his strong runs and lock Connor Lilburn was also carrying well into contact.
However, full-back James Luto took a knock and was replaced by Callum Lewis, with Ben Shields moving to fullback.
Despite looking good, Spalding were unable to open up the Men’s Own defence again before the half time whistle.
The first few minutes of the second half unfortunately set the tone for Town, with Northampton kicking deep for territory and winning their lineout. Moving the ball with confidence along their backs, a pass back inside cut Spalding’s defence with a converted try under the posts.
Shortly afterwards, the home team were again passing and moving the ball freely and duly scoring out on the right wing for a converted try.
Town’s response was to go back to basics with flanker George Brown leading by example by being the first to the breakdown and inspiring the tightening of their defence.
Men’s Own were being starved of ball and were left in disarray as Anker, with power and strength, forced his way through several attempted tackles and scored under the posts.
With an easy conversion from Mason there was just one try between the teams with only 25 minutes to play.
That proved something of a false dawn, though, as the home fly-half started to run the show with his distribution and kicking for territory.
During an eight-minute spell Northampton were running and passing at speed, with support players continuing the moves –scoring three decisive tries in the process.
Many teams would have folded, but there is a healthy spirit in this Spalding team.
They hit back as left winger Lewis went on a storming run, beating half a dozen defenders. Scrum-half Sutcliffe took over and, after a good quick pass to Mason, Ben Shields opened up a gap and the flowing move was finished off by Sharman with a converted try.
Spalding were not finished as lock MaCaulay Crane, with a strong carry, was brought down by a high tackle.
A tap penalty was taken with only seconds remaining and Anker was there, with another strong carry, to drag three tacklers over the try line with him as Spalding salvaged a try bonus point.
This Saturday sees Spalding host Queens, who are currently the only side below them in the table.
Due to some renovation works on the clubhouse at the Memorial Field, the home clash be played at Town’s New Ground on Drain Bank North.
The match will get under way at the earlier time of 2.15pm, which is standard for the league due to the clocks going back.
Spalding RFC: Tom Parker, Miguel Da Silva, Richard Stevenson, Connor Lilburn, MaCauley Crane, Ash Anker, George Brown, Jason Steels, Adam Sutcliffe, Conall Mason, Gav Sharman, Taylor Crowson, Harry Waine, Ben Shields, James Luto. Subs: Callum Lewis, Fabian Simpson.
