Spalding Rugby Club defeat Peterborough Lions in Counties 1 Midlands East (South)
Spalding recorded a deserved but unconvincing win over Peterborough Lions in Saturday's Counties 1 Midlands East (South) clash.
The Elephants secured a 13-15 away win against their second-from-bottom hosts to move up into sixth spot in the standings.
Lions turned the contest into more of a relegation battle as it was a scrappy contest where Spalding only exerted their authority on the game in patches.
They still managed to come out on top but only just thanks to the Lions missing a long and difficult penalty kick with the last play.
In the absence of captain Luke Turner, Tomas Parker was promoted up from the seconds to start in the front row with Willis Ingleby taking over as skipper.
The opening 15 minutes on a dull day reflected the weather with neither side settling into a rhythm.
Indeed both teams were rather ineffective in open play with the scrums contest being fairly even and, while George Douglas and Will Shields in the lineouts were retaining possession, Lions were able to match it.
The afternoon was sparked into life by the Spalding backs as the ball was whipped out from the breakdown by scrum half Jim Wraith.
Centres Ryan Firth and Jack Patrick created space out wide and a pass to winger Gav Sharman gave him room to outpace the Lions defence for the opening try.
Within two minutes though, Lions had pulled back three points with a penalty kick.
Although Spalding encamped themselves on the home try line with Lachlan Summers and Sam Cowell driving forward, there was no further score in the first half.
Conall Mason replaced Jack Patrick during the break and the opening 10 minutes of the second half brought reward for the home team as a simple penalty kick in front of the posts edged them in front.
Spalding responded from the restart by using pick and goes in the forwards with Fergus McKerracher standing out.
But, as the ball was passed along the backs, the Lions outside centre made an interception and ran the length of the pitch to score. With a simple conversion, the Lions had suddenly built up an eight point lead.
Coaches Ali Sharp and Phil Trotman made instant changes by using the strength on the bench with Zodas Raimondas replaced in the scrum by Jordan Templer and Jack Asplen coming on for Ryan Firth.
Spalding now went hunting and Ben Shields on the right wing had a couple of decent runs but it was the forwards who brought the visitors back into the game with hooker Tom Rollinson finding Douglas towards the back of a lineout.
Possession was secured and a series of drives brought its reward when Lachlan Summers squeezed over.
Momentum was now with Spalding and a penalty kick by Mason just sailed wide.
Spalding were creating opportunities out wide and it was winger Sharman who stole in for his second try of the afternoon
The Elephants now had a two point advantage with eight minutes remaining on the clock.
A dramatic finale then ensued as, with time up, Spalding conceded a penalty 40 yards out wide on the left and Lions confidently elected for their excellent fly half to kick for goal to secure a home win.
However, the kick went wide and short and Mason caught the ball and kicked it out for the full time whistle to be blown.
It was a much-needed win for Spalding but they will need to sharpen up for Saturday's home game against third-placed Towcestrians.
Spalding: Sam Cowell, Tom Rollinson, Tomas Parker, Zokas Raimondas, George Douglas, Will Shields, Fergus McKerracher, Lachlan Summers, Jim Wraith, Willis Ingleby, Ben Shields, Ryan Firth, Jack Patrick, Gav Sharman, Harry Brett. Subs: Jack Asplen, Jordan Templer, Conall Mason.
