Skipper Sam Cooke wants Spalding RFC to lay down a marker in their first home fixture of the Midlands Two East (North) campaign on Saturday.
Town are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 36-14 loss at Coalville (see page 43) when they welcome Dronfield to the Memorial Field (3pm).
It’s the main event of the club’s President’s Weekend, which will also include Spalding RFC 2nd’s clash with Peterborough RFC 2nd. Town hope to run that game before the first team’s clash, so any fans wanting to see back-to-back rugby games are asked to arrive at lunchtime.
Captain Cooke admits that it’s a big weekend for the club – and nothing but a win will do for his side after the Coalville loss.
“Coalville proved to be a very strong side,” said the Town skipper. “The first half was disappointing, but we really improved after that.
“The second half was the kind of performance we all want to produce – and even the referee said that we deserved a few points.
“This weekend is a very big one for the club – we’d love to see lots of fans turn out to support us. We’ve already talked about making the Memorial Field a fortress, so the plan is to start as we mean to go on. Dronfield are always a tough side, but we’re very much looking forward to the game.”
Last weekend served as Cooke’s first league game as captain. He admits to enjoying the experience, but reckons Saturday will be an even prouder moment.
“Despite the result, I really enjoyed it – even if I did play out of position in the second row.
“I’m sure I’ll be full of pride when I lead the side out on Saturday, but it’s not about me. We’re a tight unit here and we all want to succeed for the club.”
Town could have young brothers Taylor and Wilson Crowson back in the squad on Saturday, but George Brown and James West are both struggling with injury.
As part of the President’s Weekend, Town are also showing England’s World Cup opener with Fiji on Friday night from 8pm.
Live music will follow the rugby on Saturday, while on Sunday the minis section will be training and more World Cup games will be shown in the bar.
