Spalding welcomed Northampton Men’s Own to the Memorial Ground on Saturday who were lying just two points behind Spalding in Midlands Three East (South) both at the wrong end of the table. So for both teams a win was vital.

Having had a good training week, the home side had the luxury of selection problems, welcoming former captains Harry Sharman back in the pack at number eight and Ryan Chappell on the subs bench bringing a wealth of experience.

Men’s Own started brightly knowing, that earlier in the season, they had racked up forty points at home against Spalding, playing an attractive running game. With wind advantage their fly half Cairns was soon kicking deep for territory, putting Spalding under pressure and with a successful penalty kick the visitors had an early advantage.

However, the lead only lasted two minutes. From a good restart kick by Conall Mason both flankers Will Shields and Will Cole were up and challenging. With possession regained from the opposition, scrum half Adam Sutcliffe fizzed the ball to Mason, centre Taylor Crowson broke through Men’s initial defence line passing to lock Sam Noble who made a good carry to set up a ruck just a couple of metres short of the try line. Prop Harry Cole used his strength to drive the ball over the line.

With a purple patch of play Spalding further increased their lead within three minutes, using their speed in the backs to open up the visitors' defence and Gav Sharman’s pass gave left winger, Callum Lewis, a run for the try line from 20 metres for a further score. With a good conversion kick from out wide by Mason, Spalding had a nine point advantage.

Within five minutes Men’s Own showed that their centres' had pace to burn, as the ball was worked across from left to right, giving their right winger Garbett the simple task of a run in and with a good conversion there was only one score between the teams.

The visitors' fly half dominated the game for the next 15 minutes with some excellent kicks using the wind and when he had the space he was bringing his two centres into play, causing problems for Spalding. Spalding’s fullback George Douglas was well up for the challenge with his catching of the high ball setting in motion several counter attacks but with no further score the half time whistle blew.

The second half opened with Spalding on the attack, both Ryan Chappell and Ash Anker came off the bench replacing Connor Lilburn and Will Cole. From an attacking ruck, Men’s Own were caught offside and the penalty kick was successfully converted by Mason.

Harry Sharman was starting to come into his own with his big hitting carries, always gaining territory and Chappell also brought pace and ability to break the initial tackle. Unfortunately, there was also frustration with handling errors as Spalding knocked on as the forwards drove into space.

It was the backs opening up Men’s Own defence, with Mason and Taylor combining at pace, that gave Gav Sharman the opportunity to score an excellent try taking Spalding’s lead to ten points. Spalding’s back line were always threatening and a deliberate knock on to stop a flowing move, gave Men's Own inside centre a yellow card.

With a man advantage, Spalding went searching for the killer blow and Harry Sharman created space on the blind side, with a forceful charge and hand off, to give left winger Lewis another scoring chance as he cut back inside at pace and with the successful conversion, Spalding's score was looking out of reach.

But to Men’s Own credit they kept battling to the end, showing their ability as they counter attacked from deep through their centres for the final score with only a minute left to play.

The match referee, Spike Sheldon, was excellent and contributed hugely to the standard of play. The bonus point victory for Spalding was well deserved and if they can take this level of performance away to Bedford Queens next week, their league position will look a lot brighter.

Team: Pete Waudby, Miguel Da Silva, Harry Cole, Connor Lilburn, Sam Noble, Will Shields, Will Cole, Harry Sharman, Adam Sutcliffe, Conall Mason, Ben Shields, Taylor Crowson, Gav Sharman, Callum Lewis, George Douglas Subs Ryan Chappell, James Luto, Ash Anker

Spalding RFC

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Competition

League position

Team Sponsors

Login