Spalding were the visitors with a young-looking team A heavy looking pack with some big strike runners at 8 & 12. Deeping had only 16 confirmed starters with Dillon on his debut from the bench, and Elliot starting in the 2nd row for first. It looked like it was going to be 'backs against the wall' rugby!

From the outset with a strong wind at Deepings back, the early exchanges were even. Great defence, filling in holes, power tackles, great jackaling and support with ball in hand - this was really good to see. Charlie Starr and Ollie in the centre seeing lots of the ball and also having to do a big defensive shift. After a bout of concerted Deepings pressure in the Spalding 22, the full back managed to skip 2 tackles for the first time and ran the length of the field to score. With territory & possession at a good 60%-40% in Deepings favour in the 1st half, it was a bitter breakaway score to let in. As Spalding had rarely got out of their own half. Deeping hit back with a penalty by the skipper (after he’s missed an easier effort moments before!) Half Time score was 3-7.

The second half, playing into the wind, a huge effort was going to be needed. An early Spalding try through a fortunate passage of play, put them further ahead. Deeping dug deep, putting in another massive defensive shift, the best I’ve seen for 2 years here as a coach, that combined with some superb running and support play, linking forwards and backs alike, really took the game back to Spalding. Playing for a good 20 minutes in their half, without being able to make the decisive breakthrough. Spalding scored another try in the corner after a midfield mix-up, which flattered them to the final score of 3-17.

So many stand out performances:

Charlie Starr never took a backward step.
Roberts his usual immense game
Jack ‘Tefon’ Ray carried and crashed all day long
Kieran 'Lynchy' Lynch and James 'Pricey' Price were constant irritants to Spalding all day.

Everyone deserves a mention, as it was a great shift of rugby. Really building on the foundations being laid in training and in the club as a Senior Men’s Side. Great to watch a be a part of, even if we didn’t get the win.

Looking forward to Bourne IIs next Saturday