Rushden & Higham 45
Spalding 12
A heavy defeat at Rushden & Higham leaves Spalding facing a huge challenge in their final match of the Counties Two Midlands East (South) season.
Their promotion hopes hang in the balance but they do know exactly what they need to achieve, thanks to all their rivals having completed their season. Spalding face a tall order, needing a five-point bonus win at Huntingdon on Saturday and a winning margin of at least 25 points. That would be enough to see them overhaul second-placed Stewarts & Lloyds.
Rushden & Higham leapfrogged Spalding into third place on Saturday in what proved to be a challenging game for the visitors. Spalding were still in with a shout at half-time, trailing by 12 points but the hosts, with the slope in their favour in the second half, ran in a further four tries.
Meanwhile, Stewarts & Lloyds took a losing bonus point at Luton to leave Spalding’s promotion ambitions hanging by a thread.
With a lengthening list of injuries and unavailability, a number of second team forwards were called up but in the opening quarter Spalding were more than holding their own. Captain Luke Turner was prominent with his trademark big carries, while No.8 Ash Anker proved a handful. In the backs there was pace from Jack Patrick, Ben Shields and Gav Sharman.
However, you have to make the most of the slope advantage, kick for territory and pin the opposition into rearguard defence to stand a chance of coming away with a win. As in recent weeks, however, that clinical edge was missing in Spalding’s execution and possession was not turned into points.
From a lineout, Rushden spread the ball to their backs and with a couple of missed tackles they had their opening try between the posts after 25 minutes
Within a few minutes Spalding responded in a similar fashion. Ed Williams won a good lineout ball and fly half Conall Mason launched his backs with Miguel Da Silva carrying and then releasing the pace of Gav Sharman to score in the corner.
However, from the restart kick, Rushden secured possession, leaving Spalding’s defence in disarray to score on their left wing.
With the hosts leading by 12 points, the second half was going to be a battle, but Spalding knew that to keep their promotion hopes alive they, as a minimum, had to restrict the home team.
Spalding initially stepped up, with the pack holding their own and pressure being exerted in Rushden’s 22. However Spalding could not convert their possession into points, especially as Rushden were giving away a number of penalties.
The turning point came at the start of the last quarter. Rushden were kicking deep for territory and it was the turn of Spalding to give away penalties under pressure. From a scrum Rushden drove over the try line and from the restart kick, with confidence riding high, they used their backs to cut open Spalding’s defence to score by the posts.
Spalding responded with left wing Sharman just being caught as he sped down the wing. Mason then opened a gap in Rushden’s defence and centre Jack Patrick sailed in for a well-worked try.
Rushden’s momentum could not be stopped though and two further tries were conceded in the last five minutes.
The focus now switches to Saturday and the trip to mid-table Huntingdon.
