Stockwood Park lose ground on pacesetters after Spalding loss

With a strong wind blowing diagonally across the ground, Park were eventually beaten 18-5 in a niggly game by a physical Spalding team who used their superior size to good effect on a heavy pitch.

Park stayed fourth in Midlands Three East (South), but they slipped 13 points behind both Bourne and Stamford.

Park defended with great commitment, their forwards working hard and creating their own chances thank to some fine handling.

But tries conceded on the stroke of half-time and just before the final whistle gave a final score which did not reflect the match.

Park kicked off with the wind behind them, but then generally failed to make use of it as much as they could have done to give themselves field position.

Spalding scored first with a penalty before Park responded after a period of pressure with an excellent try from 18-year-old flanker Keiron Taylor, another product of Park’s youth set-up.

The home team bounced back with a good individual try, just before the break, from their number eight, who was prominent throughout.

In the second half, and with Park now playing against the elements, Spalding increased their lead following a kick and chase, latching on to a loose ball in Park’s midfield to score a second try.

The hosts added a third try in stoppage-time.

Although defeated, Park could take positives from a game in which they showed great commitment and discipline in testing situations.

Scrum-half Frank Daly was nominated as man-of-the-match for Park.

On Saturday, Park travel to St Neots RFC for a re-arranged league fixture.

* Park’s Second XV continued their fine league season with a 35-17 victory over Northampton Old Scouts.