Spalding RFC’s 2021/22 season kicks off on Saturday with a home RFU Midlands Senior Vase clash against local rivals Boston at the Memorial Field (3pm).
Currently, Town are the holders of the Vase – having defeated Dunstablians just before COVID-19 lockdown restrictions commenced back in April 2020.
The Elephants were pleased to get some pre-season rugby played in June and July in the NLD summer Cup competition, during which Spalding travelled over to Boston and suffered a defeat.
However, captain Luke Turner is looking forward to leading his side out on Saturday in front of a home crowd.
Spalding played out a pre-season clash with Fakenham on Saturday and the skipper was pretty pleased with what he saw.
Turner said: “Pre-season training has been going well with some good numbers.
“On Saturday we played Fakenham away in a training game, which was pretty even.
“Early on some good carries by the forwards, but with handling errors causing us to be camped back in our own half defending for a quarter of an hour, a couple of penalties were conceded and an opening try for Fakenham.
“During the second half we settled down putting some decent phases together.
“Ash Piccaver stood out and Harry Brown crashed over for our first try.
“Good passing saw Gav Sharman race in for Spalding’s second try converted by Taylor Crowson with the home team running in the final try.
“The players cannot wait to get started on Saturday at home against Boston.”
Following the cup clash, Spalding will turn their attention to the new league season.
In Midlands Three East (South) this season, they begin their campaign with a trip to Dunstablians on September 25.
Their first home game is against Huntingdon and District (Oct 2), then they visit Luton (Oct 9), host Melton Mowbray (Oct 23) and travel to Northampton Men’s Own (Oct 30) early in the campaign.
Rest of Spalding’s fixtures: November: 6 – Queens (h); 20 – Rushden & Higham (a); 27 – Stockwood Park (a). December: 4 – Stewarts & Lloyds (h); 11 – Bourne (a); 18 – Daventry (h). January: 8 – Huntingdon & District (a); 15 – Luton (h); 29 – Melton Mowbray (a). February: 12 – Northampton Men’s Own (h); 19 – Queens (a). March: 5 – Rushden & Higham (h); 12 – Stockwood Park (h); 26 – Stewarts & Lloyds (a). April: 2 – Bourne (h); 9 – Daventry (a); 23 – Dunstablians (h).
