Skipper feels Spalding RFC can challenge all in their league ahead of season opener

Spalding RFC completed their pre-season schedule with a battling 31-22 victory at West Norfolk on Saturday – and look in good shape for this weekend’s league opener.

Having also beaten Wisbech over the summer, Town will be chomping at the bit to see off Bakewell Mannerians in Midlands Three East (North)at the Memorial Field this Saturday (3pm).

The Elephants started their final friendly well and kept structure and to the game plan for the opening exchanges.

West Norfolk had a big pack and fast back line, but Spalding were able to use their better skill set and took an early lead through a try and conversion from Willis Ingleby within the first ten minutes.

However, Town were caught napping and gave away a soft try soon after the restart.

Spalding soon pulled themselves together and, through strong forward running and quick ball, were able to score from a well worked back move that saw captain Dan Adams go over the line, converted by Ingleby.

Some strong forward play and support then enabled John Barrett to go over in the corner to give Town a 19-5 lead.

The game ebbed and flowed with the last few minutes of the first half, with some good lineout work from Spalding setting up an easy walk in try for Fin Peters– again converted by Ingleby.

West Norfolk refused to give up and, thanks to defensive errors by Spalding, they were able to bring the score at half time to 26-10.

The second half saw West Norfolk take the game to their visitors and, after ten mins of sustained pressure, they scored a converted try.

At this stage, Spalding had lost their shape and composure and were unable to turn any pressure into points. The home team gained the ascendancy and caught Town napping to bring the scores to 26-22.

Spalding realised that the game was slipping away and exerted more structure to their game – and were able to set up some promising attacks, only to see their hard work ruined by poor decision making and poor execution.

Finally, the Elephants were able to rally and exert more pressure on a now tired West Norfolk backline in the hot weather. They moved the ball quickly and that saw

Ingleby race into the corner for an unconverted try, giving Spalding a deserved 31-22 victory.

Adams, who has replaced Richard Cooke as skipper, said: “We have a great blend of young talent, experience and steady hands in our squad – with a clear understanding of each other, alongside good skills and fitness levels, which together will help to develop the squad into one that will challenge all teams in the league.

“We also have a few new faces in the club. Harvey Royle and Richard Grew are both returning to the game and making an impact at training, while we would welcome any other players looking to get back into the game or start playing for the first time.

“It is also great to see Tim Waltham back in the area and fighting for a place in the team.”

Town chairman Martin Beecham added: “This season Spalding needs to start imposing themselves on the opposition and with a home game on Saturday we have the ideal opportunity to lay down a marker in the league.

“We are also looking forward to our supporters turning up and giving their encouragement to the lads.”