This was a fiercely contested derby and one which the umpires did extremely well to keep from boiling over. The dragons conceded first after they failed to clear following Ed Sarsby’s first save and then went 2 down from a Spalding Arial pass. The home team however persisted and were afforded far too much space to retain possession. The reward came from a penalty corner slotted home by Jon Green. Gareth Evison drew level converting after great work from Andrew Dodds. Steve Waters and Anthony Barnes ran tirelessly to create space which Dodds and Moisey were able to exploit to take the lead into half time. Following a series of 1-2s Pete Moisey calmly placed under the Spalding keeper.
In the second half Spalding drew level through their influential skipper converting a penalty corner. However Evison sealed the points for the home team when he bagged his second, instinctively knowing where Dodds would place the ball for a smart finish. The defence of Bakers – Richard and Kevin and Steve Knipe and some great saves from Sarsby ensured there was no late slip up.

Ed Sarsby Pete Moisey, Steve Knipe, ben connell, Richard Baker, Kevin Baker, Gareth Evison, Jon Green, Andrew Dodds, Steve Waters, Anthony Barnes, Mark Gambles, Bradley Mansfield.