Huntingdon 24
Spalding 52
There was a stunning team performance by Spalding with a “last play” try securing league promotion for them on Saturday.
As Spalding players stepped off their coach at Huntingdon, along with many travelling supporters, one of the biggest challenges in their playing careers lay ahead.
Having dropped to fourth in Midlands Counties 2 East (South) after their loss at Rushden and Higham, and with all other league games completed, Spalding had the daunting task of winning by a clear 25 points to regain second spot and promotion.
Spalding had put to bed their recent poor form, and were confidently spreading the ball wide through their backs with centres George Brown and returning Taylor Crowson showing up well.
Crowson made a break down the left, releasing wing Gav Sharman, who evaded two tackles whilst hugging the touch line to score and with a successful conversion.
Flankers Ed Williams and Will Shields were flying up from defence, being first to any breakdown.
A turnover was secured middle of the pitch, scrum half Adam Sutcliffe had the ball out quickly to fly half Conall Mason and onto Taylor slicing through Huntingdon’s defence, releasing Sharman, again on an overlap, to run in his second converted try, with only 15 minutes on the clock.
Lineouts were also going Spalding’s way. Will Shields was challenging for everything, whilst Ash Anker, throwing in, was finding George Douglas soaring in the air.
The ball was passed along the line, with Miguel Da Silva setting up a ruck on the opposite side.
Right wing Ben Shields, acting as scrum half, sent the ball back infield and from another ruck secured in front of the posts. Will Shields from scrum half position stole in. 21 points up with 22 minutes played.
Through their forwards Huntingdon were edging themselves back into the game and with a penalty awarded, a quick tap, forcing a tackle by Da Silva within ten metres and a yellow card was produced.
Spalding then disrupted the home side’s lineout and cleared but within five minutes a dominant scrum on the left saw their winger released into space for Huntingdon’s opening try.
With half time approaching Spalding restored the 21- point lead with their fourth try.
Jordan Templer won lineout ball followed by a series of pick and goes featuring captain Luke Turner and Douglas setting up good ruck positions with Sam Cooke driving over the try line.
In the second half Huntingdon were out to spoil Spalding’s party. Using their scrum as a platform they had Spalding’s defence on the back foot, spread the ball wide to the left winger, who ran in unopposed for the home team’s second try.
This was followed by another dominating scrum ten metres out and with their centre cutting through Spalding’s defence at pace and scoring under the posts the difference was cut to nine.
With 30 minutes remaining Spalding’s task had got much harder, however they found a second wind, playing from side to side of the pitch, stretching Huntingdon to their limit, and with space having been created out wide, Sharman was on hand to run in his third try.
Throughout the game Jack Patrick was a shining light at full back, handling exemplary, never missed catching a high ball and incisive with his running.
From a lineout Macauley Crane, on for Douglas, drove the ball up gaining valuable yards followed by the ball being moved swiftly along the backs.
Ben Shields then took some stopping before offloading to Patrick, in support, who sliced through to score by the posts for a converted try.
With 12 minutes remaining, there was a near hammer blow to Spalding’s hopes.
Spalding, defending their try line, having held Huntingdon’s scrum, conceded a penalty. The home team took a quick tap, tackles came in and the referee judged Spalding not having retreated and awarded a penalty try. Spalding’s advantage was reduced to 16.
From the high kick off, Patrick jumped to steal the ball, offloaded and there was Douglas back on for Ed Williams in support.
Then a gap opened up in Huntingdon’s defensive back line and Douglas ran through to score a converted try.
Ten minutes remaining Spalding needed another three points.
James Luto was on in the backs and Tom Parker on in the front row. Both made an immediate impact, Luto with his speed and Parker with his front row experience.
From Huntingdon’s kick off the ball was knocked on by Spalding, scrum awarded to Huntingdon. Spalding were holding firm but finding it hard to get out of their half.
With time nearly up, a crucial ruck penalty was awarded to Spalding on their 22. The only real option was to run and carry with the aim of working play back into the opposition half.
Turner led by example, followed by locks Templer and Crane, gaining valuable yards.
Another penalty to Spalding, Cooke carried, Will Shields carried and then the backs were launched at Huntingdon as they tired, going out wide on the right, finding Da Silva. He cut back inside, brushed off the final defender to run in under the post to score the vital try.
With a successful conversion, referee blew for full time for a 30-point winning margin.
Coach Ali Sharp was full of joy and admiration for his players’ tenacity in chasing down not only a win but the required 25-point winning margin.
Captain Turner added: “We had one shot at achieving promotion and we came off the pitch having given our all. We are shattered but overjoyed.”
Team: Ash Anker, Sam Cooke, Luke Turner, George Douglas, Jordan Templer, Ed Williams, Will Shields, Miguel Da Silva, Adam Sutcliffe, Conall Mason, Ben Shields, George Brown, Taylor Crowson, Gav Sharman, Jack Patrick. Subs Tom Parker.
