The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
West Bridgford 100
Spalding RFC 0
Downtrodden Spalding RFC were handed a 100-0 reverse by hosts West Bridgford on Saturday as they suffered their heaviest loss of the Midlands Two East (North) season.
The Town thrashing was not unexpected considering they are already relegated – but the scale of the defeat certainly takes the shine off recent performances, where they have been in contention and given their opposition a hard-fought game.
The very first minute set the tone of the day as, when Spalding kicked off, Bridgford gathered the ball in and immediately span it out along the backs to their left winger, who evaded his tackler and scored in the corner
For the next 15 minutes the home team ran riot, using their pace and power and exposing Town’s defensive weaknesses. And, with the Elephants 33-0 down after 20 minutes, the win and bonus point was already secured for the home side.
It was clear from then on that it was going to be a long hard afternoon for the players.
The team that Spalding fielded was predominantly second-string players stepping in, with the majority of the regular first teamers unavailable due to a mounting injury list, holiday and work commitments, plus illness.
Not unexpectedly the gap in fitness, physicality and skill levels between the two teams was severely exposed as Spalding struggled to get into the game – with both the scrum and lineout under pressure. It was difficult for Town to firstly get hold of possession and then to retain the ball for any length of time.
Bridgford, therefore, had 80 per cent possession.
The half-time whistle, with the score at 50-0, allowed a breathing space and time to regroup
Indeed, early in the second half Spalding stepped up their intensity and, while their forwards had the ball in hand they made inroads, but as soon as the ball went wide there were always gaps and overlaps for Bridgford to continue their scoring spree.
The second half took its toll on the players with John Barrett, George Reid and George Douglas all sustaining injuries and having to be replaced.
And, in the last 20 minutes, Spalding were down to only 14 players, resulting in Bridgford being able to run in a host of tries to reach the 100 points mark with the last play of the game.
This Saturday sees Town host Ashbourne at the Memorial Field for what is their final home game of the season (3pm). It is hoped that fans of the club will turn out in force and try to rally the players in a bid to end their forgettable season with something of a flourish.
Spalding RFC: John Barrett, Josh Caley, George Reid, Harry Brown Captain, Kev Hudson, Kieran Bailey, Harry Cole, Jason Steels, Will Shields, George Douglas, Brian Browne, Harry Lane, Mark Elsey, Ben Shields, Gav Sharman. Subs: Bruno Figueirido and Dave McClaren.
