The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Sam Cooke believes that Spalding RFC’s memorable win over Stamford on Saturday will send shockwaves through Midlands Two East (North).
Town stunned their table-topping Lincolnshire rivals 25-15 at the Memorial Field to climb off the foot of the division.
With Spalding being one of Lincolnshire’s top teams over much of the past decade, captain Cooke reckons that other sides will now see signs of them making a revival.
That’s certainly how the skipper sees it himself, with his side finally showing the discipline and heart that he’s been asking for throughout most of the campaign.
Cooke also feels Stamford took his side way too lightly – and is keen to point out that Spalding have traditionally dominated clashes between the two in recent history.
“To a man, we showed tremendous heart and passion,” said the Town leader. “The discipline was also fantastic.
“It was a high-pressure game and that was always going to be the case.
“I’ve not asked for much this season. We’ve always targeted mid-table and home wins. But the main thing is simply to be disciplined and show pride in the shirt.
“Maybe Stamford came here thinking we’d be easy to beat. It certainly seemed that way – and I’m not sure they’ve earned the right to have that view.
“Other than one cup game this year, we’ve always beaten them – and Saturday was no different.
“I do believe that our win will send shockwaves through the division. They’ll all be worried that we are back from our slump.”
Although the Town squad have been energised by the derby win, Cooke admits that his side now need to follow up Saturday’s win with sustained success.
Saturday’s trip to third-placed Ashbourne (2.15pm) looks another tough one, before Town end 2015 with a home date with basement boys Bakewell on December 19 (also 2.15pm).
“We’re all feeling a lot more positive now,” added Cooke. “But we have to sustain this form.
“If we can get a few more points from our next two games the table will certainly look better and we can start 2016 full of confidence.”
Town must do without key pair Rob Lucas and George Brown for Saturday’s trip to Derbyshire. Ashbourne lost at Southwell last time out.
