Spalding RFC’s flawless home form in Midlands Three East (North) continued with a 29-5 victory over old foes Mansfield on Saturday.
The bonus-point victory at the Memorial Field was their third from as many home league games this season – and moves them up to fourth in the table.
Traditionally, the visitors have always had a good set of forwards and, on many occasions in the past, have led the way to dominate games.
There was a welcome back to first team duty for lock Ash Piccaver, who had picked up an injury in pre-season training and with captain Dan Adams ruled out Tom Wilson was in at outside centre.
As expected, Spalding looked to take on the visitors and the front row of Jacob Greaves, John Barrett and Luke Turner started as they meant to go on, having both the edge in the scrums but also showing up well in the loose with their superior fitness.
The Elephants were playing excellent rugby in the opening minutes, retaining the ball with good carries and pick and drives around the rucks. They soon found themselves deep in Mansfield territory and flanker Ash Ankar used his strength to drive over from five metres to open the scoring.
Scrum-half Will Shields was enjoying an abundance of ball at the breakdown and giving space and time for fly- half Conall Mason to bring the backs into play. It was this combination which set up a simple run in for winger Ben Shields to score the second try in the corner.
A Mansfield response was expected, as they started to use their forwards to gain territory – but their ball from the breakdown was slow allowing the Elephants to organise their defence.
Midway through the first half, Spalding’s determination was put to the test near their try line with a series of try saving tackles as the opposition forwards drove forward.
Having weathered the storm, Town regained territory and, from a ruck, Harry Sharman broke free.With support on his outside, he threw a dummy pass and was over the try line.
With Mason converting, Spalding had a half time lead of 17 points.
Changes were made as inside centre George Brown, with an ankle injury, was replaced by the versatile George Berry moving from lock and Harry Brown came off the bench into the forwards.
But it was Mansfield who upped their game to dominate the opening period of the second half.
They were stunned by the immediate response from the kick off. A high hanging restart kick by Mason allowed Piccaver to claim the ball 30 metres from the try line.
He broke free from the initial tackle, swept past two further defenders and was over the line for a wonder try.
Spalding were now rampaging upfield, aiming to kill the game off.
With the forward battle becoming fiery with no quarters being given by either set, the penalty count started to mount up, as the referee endeavoured to keep control.
Town were kicking for touch and, with the lineout now working well, they were denied a couple of scoring opportunities.
Coach George Reid brought on fresh legs, with Josh Caley and Kieran Bailey replacing Luke Turner and Harry Cole – and within a couple of minutes Bailey had made an impact.
Finding himself in surprisingly open space 15 metres from the try line, he was left with a simple run in for a converted try.
Spalding were then able to see out the final ten minutes of the match to record an excellent win and move up to fourth in the league.
This Saturday’s away match at league leaders, Nottingham Casuals (3pm), however, will be a real challenge but after this victory confidence should be high in the camp.
Spalding RFC: Jacob Greaves, John Barrett, Luke Turner, Ash Piccaver, George Berry, Ash Ankar, Harry Cole, Harry Sharman, Will Shields, Conall Mason, Ben Shields, George Brown, Tom Wilson, Gav Sharman, George Douglas. Subs: Kieran Bailey, Harry Brown and Josh Caley.
