Saturday 7th November saw Sleaford seconds play host to local rivals Newark on an afternoon purpose built for fast running rugby. Sleaford gain fielded a young and energetic side full of the promise of a strong performance. The team welcomed back skipper Flash Walker after a two week lay-off and Paul King after a week?s absence to add a modicum of maturity to the proceedings.
A minor hiccup at the kick off gave the advantage to Newark, who were quick to realise that Sleaford had not quite woken up and seized this advantage quickly and efficiently to score in the corner for a 5 ? 0 lead after only two minutes. Dazed from this early set back Sleaford failed to regroup and Newark took advantage again. 10 ? 0.
This was just the incentive that the team needed and they immediately started to produce the rugby that has inspired in previous weeks. Half back pairing Ridout and Hodgson dictated the play with excellent ball handling and off loading that allowed the centres Sharpe and Walker to cause defensive problems. However it was the pack that was to cause the major headaches for Newark with a powerful display headed by number 8 Paul King who seemed to be everywhere at once, directing his pack with tenacity. Prop Andrews caused panic when he chased down a kick from Ridout and was only just beaten to the ball by the Newark full back, whose attempted clearance merely gave the possession back to Sleaford, who ran the ball straight back. Lock Forward James Clark scooped up the pass a sprinted through the defence to score his maiden try for the seconds, planting the ball neatly between the posts for Ridout to convert to bring the score back to 10 ? 7 to the visitors. The pressure continued after the restart and Sleaford looked destined to take the lead but a breakaway try against the run of play allowed Newark to turn around at half time with a 15 ? 7 advantage.
After a rousing half time talk form Walker, the Sleaford XV started the second half menace and with determination. The forwards rallied and powered forward at every opportunity whilst the wings Smith and Cowell, along with full back Beever, shut up shop at the back allowing everyone to be on the attack. After a period of forward domination, prop Andrews powered forward drawing the defenders before a sublime offload to lock forward Hopkins who took the ball with the all the grace of a gazelle in full flow before he powered over to narrow the gap to 15 ? 12. As is so often in this, or any sport, a team is most vulnerable after scoring and this was no exception, as Newark again stretched the lead with a converted try to go 22 ? 12. Sleaford lost King and Andrews in quick succession and they were replaced by Woollas and Limb. This caused a minor reshuffle as Ireland went from the flank to ably fill the 8 slot, and Limb took up camp on the flank. Clark and Pinchbeck once again had performed at the highest standard at the line out and it was their securing of ball that led to a further incursion into the Newark 22. Wilson and Farmery carried the ball well and formed a rolling maul with Hopkins and Ireland adding momentum, with Woollas and Limb holding back, Ridout spotted the opportunity and quick ball to Limb allowed him to power over and score his maiden try for the seconds which Ridout duly converted for 22 ? 19. Again Newark responded with the play going up and down field with good pace. Injuries to Walker and Beever brought Pocklington and Harrison into the fray and the temporary lapse in concentration whilst regrouping allowed Newark their fifth try, for 29 deserved points. Sleaford had the last word though with Pocklington storming through the ranks to take his deserved try and a final score of 29 ? 24. Special mention must be made of the official for the day Mr Robert Teare, who allowed the game to flow and wasn?t whistle happy, and played a major role in making the game a good one to watch.
Man of the match went to Ollie Ridout, and class clown went to David Beever, who caused his own injury by standing on his own foot.
Try: Clark, Hopkins A, Limb, Pocklington H