Spalding RFC 29
Huntingdon & District 12
Spalding RFC ensured that it was a President’s Weekend to remember as they roared to their first win of the Midlands Three East (South) season on Saturday.
Following the opening away league defeat at Dunstablians, the visit of Huntingdon was an opportunity for Town to lay down a marker that the Memorial Ground would continue to be a fortress following on from last season – and that they did with a super 29-12 success.
The opening score, however, went to the visitors with a missed tackle by Spalding’s centres giving Huntingdon the opportunity to work the ball out to their right winger, who went over in the corner after ten minutes of play for an unconverted try.
Although defences were on top for both teams, Conall Mason soon started Spalding’s scoring with a successful penalty kick.
Aaron Coupe then marked his return in style as the home forwards advanced deep into Huntingdon’s 22 and a pick and drive saw him over the try line for an unconverted score.
Pete Wauby also marked his return with a break through the middle. With Huntingdon’s defence in retreat, the ball was worked out by scrum-half Wilson Crowson and Ben Shields, on the right wing, showed his pace and a final side step for an excellent try.
And, with Mason converting, Spalding headed towards half-time with a ten-point advantage.
The break allowed Huntingdon to regroup and they came out in the second half to dominate the next quarter, with Town struggling to make any inroads.
The away side eventually broke Spalding’s defence and were under the posts for a converted try, closing the score to only a two-point difference.
With captain Dan Adams then calling for fresh legs from the bench, the Elephants started to get back into the picture. Harry Cole made one of his many breaks with Harry Sharman backing up, leaving Huntingdon’s defence in a state of disarray.
Sharman’s pass out to George Brown into space allowed him race in from 20 metres unopposed to score under the posts. With Mason converting, Spalding’s ten- point lead was restored.
Spalding’s scrum was now getting on top and they shoved the visitors off their own ball. Huntingdon were now struggling and firmly on the back foot.
The icing on the cake was provided by fly-half Willis Ingleby in the last minute.
Deep in Huntingdon’s territory and with their back pressing up in defence, he sent a grubber kick through and followed up.
Huntingdon’s full-back seemed to have the ball covered, but somehow missed the ball as it bounced through at pace and Ingleby picked up to score.
With the conversion Spalding had also secured the try bonus point and a good home win.
Next up for Town is a trip to Northampton BBOB on Saturday (3pm).
Spalding RFC: Jacob Greaves, Aaron Coupe, Pete Waudby, Jordan Templar, Ash Anker, Will Shields, Harry Cole, Harry Sharman, Wilson Crowson, Willis Ingleby, Gavin Sharman, Dan Adams, Taylor Crowson, Ben Shields, Conall Mason. Subs: Luke Turner, Jason Steels and George Brown.
- To complete a top weekend for Spalding RFC, the Nomads also won their Merit league match against Boston by 33-7, while on Sunday the Colts and under-15s beat Boston and Wymondham respectively.
