Spalding scrape the win by the skin of their teeth

Spalding 12
Northampton Mens’ Own 10

After nearly a month off this Counties 2 Midlands East (South) league clash between second placed Spalding and the side second from bottom was a competitive, nail biter.

Before the game there was a minute’s silence for Steve Moore who passed away recently having been a supporter of the club for many years.
Back in October Men’s Own had conceded the previous match at the Memorial Ground, there was an expectation, perhaps, around the Spalding camp, that this would be another league win, but from the kick off the visitors displayed more control and team enthusiasm and were in control for the first 20 minutes.
Conditions were poor with continuous rain in the first half and a strong cross wind, making life difficult to hold on to the ball or pass any distance. Strong defence was called upon.
The forwards in the scrum, led by captain Luke Turner in the front row, had a slight advantage, well supported by the two locks, Jordan Templer and Ash Piccaver.
But it was one of the recurring problems for Spalding, giving too many penalties away at the breakdown, allowing Men’s Own to kick to touch, gaining territory, and, with a good lineout, the visitors were able to maintain the upper hand.
The backs were also having problems passing securely in the conditions, which again turned ball over to the visitors.
Steadily, Spalding started to exert some pressure with carries from forwards Ed Williams and Piccaver making inroads and with half time approaching Spalding finally crossed the line through a strong carry by number eight Sam Noble.
With a good conversion by Conall Mason from out wide, Spalding had a half time lead of seven points.
Jacob Gedney was on, replacing full back George Douglas injured with a bad cut near the eye and Macauley Crane replaced Williams in the forwards.
Conditions in the second half were improved, with the rain having stopped. However, Spalding were still having problems moving the ball along the backs, which is normally one of their strengths.
The visitors’ handling and kicking for territory was of a higher standard having adapted far better to the conditions.
Centres Jack Patrick and Gav Sharman were digging deep with their tackles as Men’s Own, were again, having the upper hand and in the 58th minute they broke clean through the middle to score under the posts to draw level.
It was now anybody’s game and with a few minutes remaining the home supporters who had braved the conditions were stunned as Men’s Own kicked a long penalty kick to take the lead, which on the balance of play they deserved.
From the kick off Spalding secured the ball, Turner and Piccaver made inroads and scrum half Will Shields was marshalling his team just short of the try line.
Noble on a charge drove over the line to score and although the conversion was missed the referee blew the whistle and Spalding had scrapped home.
Spalding played their “get out of jail card” in added time. They will have to quickly return to their standard and intensity of play from the first half of the season, to keep hold of their league position
Spalding: Miguel Da Silva, Ash Anker, Luke Turner, Jordan Templer, Ash Piccaver, Ed Williams, George Brown, Sam Noble, Will Shields, Conall Mason, Ben Shields, Jack Patrick, Gav Sharman, Fabian Simpson, George Douglas. Subs: Jacob Gedney, Macauley Crane.