Spalding entered this tournament having not had a competitive 15 man outing in five weeks and with a second half of the season that had been ravaged by bad weather and late withdrawals from opponents, had only managed four fixtures this year. So this was an opportunity to put together some valuable playing time, and to test the team against completely fresh opposition.
Spalding found themselves in a tough group, and as it proved, qualifying for the latter stages was always going to be a stiff challenge.
All games were of two seven and a half minute periods.
In the first game against Cambridge, Spalding were never really in danger. Asserting their dominance early on and running in tries from Mark Hendy and Jordan Searle.
Their second game was against Wymondham, one of the tournament favourites and a team that had looked to be a skilful and well organised unit. Spalding pulled out all the stops in this game, and but for two lapses in concentration which resulted in tries for Wymondham, would have run out worthy winners. Spalding did score two tries of their own, the first from a concerted period of pressure which involved every member of the team and numerous recycled possessions which resulted in Corey Lewis providing the finishing touches. Spalding’s’ second try was an equally good period of recycling possession with their forwards hammering away at the Wymondham line, and eventually Tom Birdseye completing the move and earning the draw which was less than the team effort deserved.
Spalding were immediately back in action against a speedy Woodbridge side, and again it was a case of Spalding not allowing their opponents to settle. The forwards battled for everything, and the mid field defence were a constant menace to the opposition. However, it was to be lapses in concentration that were the cause of their downfall, and despite tries from Luke Jones and Corey Lewis, Woodbridge ran out winners by three tries to two.
Spalding’s last game was against a physical Colchester A team, another tournament favourite, and with a number of players carrying injuries it was always going to be difficult. Spalding, however, proved well up to the task and put in a strong physical performance themselves until surrendering to an opportunist try right at the death.
Altogether a day of more positives than negatives despite the score lines, and valuable game practice time ahead of the NLD Cup Final next week.