Spalding Rugby Club defeated in a battle of the forwards against Peterborough Lions

A battle of the forwards saw Spalding defeated 14-7 by Peterborough Lions in Counties 1 Midlands East (South) on Saturday.

As the teams took to the field the afternoon rain started and with an already saturated pitch and a stiff breeze, the conditions were going to have a major impact on the style of play.

From the kick-off it became clear that Lions were fielding a big pack and their game plan was simply to keep the ball in the forwards, who made two or three yards with their carries and recycled the ball for the next carry.

Indeed, all the play for the first quarter was in Spalding’s half with the home players having to defend bravely with tackle after tackle. With good technique the home team’s scrum was holding its own and with Lachlan Summers being called on to throw in at lineouts, lock George Douglas and Will Shields were preforming well to retain possession.

Winger Ben Shields received a yellow card and with a man advantage, Lions worked the ball out to the wing to score a converted try.

Still Spalding were battling to get out of their half of the pitch and with all players having difficulty holding onto a wet and slippery ball, scrums were becoming fairly dominant.

Brave defence of their try line by all the Spalding players was finally broken from a quick tapped penalty kick and a strong drive for Lions saw a second converted try and a half-time lead of 14-0.

Douglas was replaced by Alex Worth and Sam Cowell by Miguel da Silva due to injuries.

It was now Spalding’s turn to have the conditions mainly in their favour. Luke Turner was leading the charge with Summers as always proving difficult to tackle and stop.

Momentum was building in Spalding’s favour and flanker Jack Grundy forced his way over the try line, with fly half Conall Mason converting.

As Spalding entered the last quarter their fitness began to count and finally they were able to move the ball along the backs but Lions’ defence was holding firm. With time nearly up Grundy looked to have another scoring opportunity but was unable to hold onto the wet and muddy ball.

Lions duly came away with the win but Spalding did pick up a losing bonus point which could be vital by the end of the season.

The big winner on the day were the wet, windy and extremely muddy conditions.

Team: Tom Parker, Sam Cowell, Luke Turner, George Douglas, Henry Hobson, Jack Grundy, Will Shields, Lachlan Summers, Jim Wraith, Conall Mason, Gav Sharman, Jack Patrick, Harry Trent, Ben Shields, Sam Christie. Subs Miguel Da Silva, Ollie Machin, Alex Worth.

The 2nds also played at home on the adjoining pitch against Thorney.

In a very competitive game, again dominated by the forwards, both teams scored two converted tries in a 14-14 draw.