SPALDING RFC 27
BIRSTALL RFC 8
Spalding RFC ran in five tries as they clinched their first win of the Midlands Three East (North) season by beating Birstall 27-8 at the Memorial Field on Saturday.
A warm welcome was extended to Birstall for their first-ever visit to the ground, with Spalding naming a strong team in the match programme featuring the return of Jacob Hutson in the front row, Luke Turner at lock, Jason Steels and Harry Brown in the back row, while captain Richard Cooke switched to scrum half.
Kicking-off, Town immediately took play into the opposition half and the afternoon’s game plan was established, with the forwards retaining the ball as they drove forward.
There was a certain confidence in their play that was missing last week and, very early on, Gav Sharman also showed his pace on the left wing with an excellent break. The ball was recycled and
George Douglas sliced through Birstall’s defence to open the scoring, with Willis Ingleby converting for a lead of seven points with four minutes on the clock.
Birstall opened their scoring in response with a penalty kick
But Town’s scrum was solid and secure, with Ash Anker and Jason Steels prominent with their carries.
Anker was stopped just short of the try line with a typically robust break, but Harry Brown was on hand to finish off to extend the lead.
The visitors were now under constant pressure and with heavy rain falling. Brown, taking the ball at pace, crashed over the line for Spalding’s third try.
Throughout the afternoon Cooke, with his forceful play, gained territory around the breakdown area and – with the Elephants again pressing – he sneaked over for Spalding’s fourth first-half try just before half-time to secure a 22-3 lead.
After the break, Birstall began to spread the ball out to their speedy backs – but Spalding’s centre pairing of Dan Adams and George Brown were shutting down the space, ably assisted by fly-half Ingleby.
Birstall finally made one of their breaks count mid-way through the second half, however, scoring in the corner.
Town made changes when George Douglas sustained a facial injury and was replaced by Fin Peters, while both Tom Wilson and Sam Cooke came off the bench to replace Anker and George Brown
Spalding’s fighting spirit was awakened as they pressed Birstall in their half and Ash Piccaver was lucky to stay on the pitch.
However, minutes later the yellow card was shown by the referee, with Harry Brown being caught retaliating and a Birstall player also being asked to take a ten-minute break.
Moments later, Spalding thought they had scored their fifth try through Tom Rollinson, who scored near the posts with Ingleby converting.
Amazingly, the referee was then persuaded to change his mind and instead awarded a scrum back on 22 metres.
Rollinson was not to be denied his opening try for Town, though, and a couple of minutes later he finished off a good move with the ball being passed along the line five metres out, creating space for his diving finish.
Spalding saw out the remaining minutes for a well deserved home win on President’s Weekend.
They dominated up front and their game plan, in the wet conditions was spot-on.
Next up for them is a trip to Buxton on Saturday (3pm).
However, Spalding’s Nomads – also at home – could not quite manage a double celebration, as they went down to a narrow defeat by Stewart & Lloyds
Spalding RFC: Kev Hudson, Tom Rollinson, Jacob Hutson, Luke Turner, Ash Piccaver, Ash Anker, Jason Steels, Harry Brown, Richard Cooke Captain, Willis Ingleby, Ashton Capes, Dan Adams, George Brown, Gav Sharman, George Douglas. Subs: Sam Cooke, Tom Wilson and Fin Peters.
Midlands Three East (North) results (Sat): Ashby 42 Belper 7; Nottingham Moderns 5 Long Eaton 76; Rolls Royce 3 Kesteven 19; Sileby Town 39 Grimsby 44; Sleaford 38 Buxton 10; Spalding 27 Birstall 8.
