Syston RFC 100
Spalding RFC 5
Downtrodden Spalding RFC were hit for a century of points as Syston wrapped up the Midlands One East title in style on Saturday.
In truth, the outcome of this match was never in doubt – just the margin of an expected success for Syston, who eased to the bonus-point victory that was required to clinch the crown and book their place in National Three Midlands for next season.
The long and winless season has clearly taken its toll on Town’s top team, with an extensive injury list and the unavailability of some of the more experienced players again hampering them at the weekend.
In the pack, there was a welcome return for Tim Waltham after a two-month absence with an ankle injury, while John Barrett was again in the front row alongside captain Sam Cooke and Pete Waudby. The backs were short of usual skipper Ryan Chappell, while head coach Ben Williams had to start the match in the unfamiliar role of fly-half once again, with George Brown at inside centre seeing if his hamstring would stand up to a full game.
Playing with a strong wind advantage, Syston were soon into their stride and within the first ten minutes the home team capitalised on lost ball by Spalding for two easy tries.
Steadily, Town got themselves into the match – especially the back row of Liam Richardson, Waltham and Harry Brown, who were prominent with covering tackles or good carries.
Will Shields was also demonstrating that he was the best scrum half on the park. His passing was much-improved and he tackled any forwards that came his way.
With a stronger set of forwards, Syston were always winning their own ball either in the scrum, at the lineout or at the breakdown and a further four tries were conceded.
However in the last ten minutes leading up to half time, Spalding went through phase after phase of possession with the forwards prominent and excellent retention of the ball.
But they just did not have that cutting edge to turn possession into points.
George Brown’s hamstring problems resulted in George Douglas coming on at half time, while Josh Caley replaced John Barrett in the front row and later Will Moore came on as replacement flanker.
Very quickly, Syston turned an excellent relieving kick from Josh Broome deep in their half into a sweeping move the length of the pitch for a good try. After that, some poorly-executed tackles by Spalding started to open the floodgates in the second half.
But with ten minutes of the second half on the clock, Syston were penalised for coming in the side of a ruck and dissent from the home forwards saw the referee march a further ten metres forward for Broome to kick for touch near the home side’s five metre line for a Spalding lineout.
Sam Cooke’s throw to Waltham was well-taken and a driving maul was established with Waudby in control at the back.
Syston tried to disrupt their progress, but Waudby was over to put Spalding on the scoreboard.
It was only a blip for the hosts, though, as they continued their scoring spree to hand Town a 24th loss from as many games and toast their title in emphatic fashion.
Town: Waudy, Cooke (captain), Barrett, B Browne, Templer, Waltham, Richardson, H Brown, Shields, Williams, Lane, G Brown, C Douglas, Booth, Broome, Caley, Moore and G Douglas.
Next game: Bedford Ath (home, April 11, 3pm).
