New Spalding RFC head coach Ben Williams believes that there were plenty of positives to take from Saturday’s 35-0 loss to Kettering.
In what was his first match as Town chief, Williams felt that the scoreline was harsh on his side as they slipped to an 18th defeat from as many Midlands One East games.
And Williams, who admits to being ‘nervy but full of pride’ on the sideline, reckons that there’s life in Spalding’s season yet.
“It was a strange day for me,” admitted the 35-year-old Town stalwart. “This new role feels very different.
“Once that whistle went I was very nervous, but it was a proud moment for sure.
“It’s difficult for me, I’m not used to things being out of my control as a non-player. We’re trying to make things a bit more personal for the lads and I certainly saw a lot of encouraging signs out there.
“We had them under pressure at times, which was very encouraging. I also felt they had a few dodgy tries while we had one harshly disallowed.
“We’re trying to look at it more like 14-7 than 35-0, which is more of a fair reflection of the game.
“In general, I thought there were good signs. I still 100 per cent believe that we’ll get a few wins this season.
“Some people have said we should write this season off and get ready for the next one. I’m sorry, but I won’t have that.
“Who wants to play rugby with an attitude like that? Not me.”
Williams admits that he does face a few selection headaches ahead of Saturday’s trip to fellow strugglers Mansfield (2.15pm), whith a few players struggling with knocks.
But he is gunning for that first win against one of only three sides Town could realistically overhaul before the end of the season. The Nottinghamshire side are 18 points ahead in 12th.
