The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
SPALDING SWANSONG: Niall Thomson. Photo by ADRIAN SMITH
Respected coach Niall Thomson will say goodbye to Spalding RFC after Monday’s Lincs Cup final with Scunthorpe (3pm).
The popular Scot has spent four years as head coach at the Memorial Field, but the 200-mile trip to Spalding for each game has finally become too much for him.
Saturday’s 24-14 Midlands Two East promotion play-off victory over Newbold on Avon served as the perfect send-off for ‘Tommo’, who admits to getting a bit emotional after the final whistle.
He’ll be on the sideline at Kesteven RFC on Monday for the final time, but feels his side have already achieved their goal for the campaign.
Thomson said: “Not to belittle the Lincs Cup final, but Saturday was the main event.
“Everything was on the line and our amazing season would have counted for nothing if we’d lost.
“The lads did exactly what I asked and were up for a tough mental challenge.
“I was very emotional after the game. My time with Spalding has been a large chunk of my coaching life and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a proper rugby club that does things the right way in every aspect.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to Kevin Wand, who has made my job a hell of a lot easier.
“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to chairman Geof Nichols. Whenever I’ve asked for anything, he’s always delivered.
“I love the club and will miss it terribly.”
After the elation of securing promotion, there is a danger that Monday’s county final will be a case of ‘after The Lord Major’s Show’ for Town.
They have at least nine players from Saturday’s win missing, but are still confident of victory.
