Spalding RFC are still winless in league after blowing half-time lead at Melbourne

Melbourne RFC 31
Spalding RFC 12

Spalding RFC are still searching for their first Midlands Two East (North) win of the season after a disappointing second-half showing saw them crash 31-12 at Melbourne.

Saturday’s defeat is Town’s sixth from as many matches in the league this season – and they remain the only side in the division without a win.

As has been the norm for Sam Cooke’s side this season, there were changes to the starting line-up from their last game.

They were mainly in the forwards, with Kier Moore coming into the front row, Sam Cowell moving to the back row, Tom Duerden operating as openside flanker and Mike Watts starting at lock.

In the backs there was a welcome return from injury for Sion Williams at centre, while Rob Lucas started at full-back.

In damp conditions, Spalding kicked off hoping for that elusive win against a home side that started the day in the bottom three.

It was lively from the off, with Melbourne very quickly penalised at the breakdown. Spalding kicked to touch for the lineout ten metres from the line, but poor throwing in by Cooke resulted in a lost ball and the danger was cleared by Melbourne.

This was the start of Melbourne generally out-performing Town at the lineout throughout the match, winning their own ball and challenging at every one.

The hosts slowly started to gain the upper hand, but knocked on while threatening Spalding’s try line.

A scrum was awarded to Spalding, but a good push by Melbourne’s forward saw the ball turned over, picked up by their number eight and over for an unconverted try.

The hosts looked in command, but a penalty for Spalding saw them win their own lineout and was followed by a successful driving maul – with Harry Brown breaking away for an unconverted try to level to scores.

Melbourne restored their lead ten minutes later with a good three-quarter move – aided by some missed tackles – for an unconverted try.

However, with five minutes left before half time Spalding delivered their best move of the match, with Harry Harrison bursting off his left wing post and taking the ball deep into the opposition’s half before being tackled.

The ball was retained at the ruck and Watts – who was making his debut in the first team – used his strength to go over near the corner flag. And, with an excellent conversion kick by Rob Lucas, Town went into half time 12-10 ahead.

The second period saw coach Ben Williams come off the bench, initially at scrum half – although he soon found himself hooking in the scrum.

A feature during the match was the way Spalding were handling their scrum. Being under pressure – with the ball being hooked quickly – Brown, at number eight, was often picking up to secure the ball.

However, after 15 minutes of the second half with the ball secured at the scrum Brown turned to the blind side and released a pass straight into the hands of the Melbourne flanker, who gratefully scored under the posts for a converted try.

Melbourne then pressed their advantage and scored in the corner thanks to a suspect forward pass and a lost ball followed by poor defensive alignment. That saw the home team race in for another try and a 31-12 lead.

Spalding pressed Melbourne for the last ten minutes and Kev Childs had two good runs down the wing.

A couple of penalties were also conceded by Melbourne within their 22 metres area and, on both occasions, Spalding kicked to touch only to lose their own lineout ball.

Overall, this was another match which Spalding could have won, especially turning around at half time in the lead.

Their next league game is on November 7 at home to Nottingham Casuals (2.15pm).

Spalding RFC: Kier Moore, Sam Cooke (captain), John Barrett, Mike Watts, Mark Haighton, Sam Cowell, Tom Duerden, Harry Brown, Will Shields, Adam McHugh, Harry Harrison, Sion Williams, Ryan Chappell, Kev Childs, Rob Lucas, Jason Steels, George Douglas and Ben Williams.

Midlands Two East (N) results: Coalville 12 West Bridgford 29; Dronfield 25 Bakewell Mannerians 8; Mansfield 15 Ashbourne 28; Market Bosworth 19 Stamford 22; Melbourne 31 Spalding 12.