Spalding 22 Vipers 7
It was Spalding’s last game of the season and the players again turned in a very impressive performance, with a big win against Vipers who are second in Counties 1 Midlands East (South) league.
In the last few weeks Spalding have also turned out wins against league champions Stamford and third in the league Towcestrians, thereby beating the top three teams, whilst finishing a creditable seventh.
There will be something for the coaches Ali Sharp and Phil Trotman to build upon during the close season.
Spalding kicked off with a strong wind blowing across the pitch and captain Luke Turner, this being his last game leading the team, soon demonstrated with some penetrating and forceful carries, that Vipers held no fear for the home team.
Indeed Spalding dominated the opening period and a good break and pass by outside centre Jack Patrick put left winger Gav Sharman in space to outpace Vipers’ defence for an unconverted try.
Vipers have traditionally had a strong pack but Spalding’s forwards were not giving an inch and when lock George Douglas kicked downfield from inside his own half for a 50/20, Spalding had a lineout deep inside Vipers’ 22, but good defending by Vipers denied Spalding a scoring opportunity, with the home team knocked on in a tackle as they drove for the try line.
Young number eight Jack Grundy broke from the back of the scrum on the halfway line with stunning force, breaking three tackles and outpacing the cover defence to score under the posts, Conall Mason converting.
Spalding had a 12-point lead after 24 minutes, Vipers reacted and were soon encamped on Spalding’s try line, flankers Will Shields and Lachlan Summers were challenging every ball at the breakdown, causing Vipers to knock on as they were reaching for the try line.
Spalding cleared the danger with a good kick by fly half Willis Ingleby. Just before half time, lock Douglas received a rather unjust yellow card.
Spalding rode out being one down with no further score.
Prop Sam Cowell, on the comeback trail from injury, was replaced by Tomas Parker, having put in a good shift.
Ten minutes into the second half Spalding’s pressure was rewarded. From a scrum, Grundy broke, making ground and hooker Tom Rollinson scored by the left corner flag.
The restart kick by Vipers flew straight out and from the scrum Spalding were again on the attack with Summers and lock Harry Brett making ground.
With the ruck secured, scrum half Jim Wraith, not for the first time, made a break with little Vipers’ guard defence in position and was unlucky not to make the try line as tackles flew in.
Dom Broadhead replaced Brett as the forward battle intensified and shortly afterwards Summers and Vipers’ No 6 both received yellow cards.
Then five minutes later the Vipers scrum half, in a tackle situation, landed his head on the hard ground, collapsed and was immediately supported by both teams’ first aiders.
The Lincolnshire Air Ambulance arrived and landed on the pitch to take the player to hospital. (See note)
In the meantime play was switched to the adjacent pitch and restarted with fullback Henry Duce replaced by Ryan Firth.
Spalding were searching for their fourth bonus point try.
Penalty awarded in front of the posts to Spalding and a quickly taken tap kick saw Shields over for the try line.
Finally in the last few minutes Vipers got on the scoreboard with a low running kick down the middle of the pitch and before fullback Firth could secure the ball, it bounced the way of the Vipers’ player chasing downfield who ran on to score under the posts for a converted try.
The game was played in front of a good end of season crowd, boosted by a past players’ event featuring over 60 attendees with nine past captains going back six decades amongst their ranks and with a good Spalding victory there was much celebration.
Team: Sam Cowell, Tom Rollinson, Luke Turner, George Douglas, Harry Brett, Will Shields, Lachlan Summers, Jack Grundy, Jim Wraith, Willis Ingleby, Sam Christie, Conall Mason, Jack Patrick, Gav Sharman, Henry Duce, Tomas Parker, Dominic Broadhead, Ryan Firth.
Note
Vipers scrum half Tom Cocks has undergone surgery for back trauma at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. He remains in hospital and will undergo further surgery in the coming days. Everyone wishes him well and a full, speedy recovery.
Pictures by Adrian Smith.
