Spalding U16 0 - 54 Rasen U16

Market Rasen & Louth under 16's were playing their first competetive match since mid December after a thrilling 10-8 victory over local rivals Grimsby and they were in a big hurry to get the job done!!.

They travelled to Spalding for their first fixture in the NLD Shield this season, on a very still day and with a good pitch, good rugby would be the only winner.

Spalding unfortunately could only field 14 players so it was going to be an uphill struggle for them against a near full strength Red & Green side. The lads were keen to get going and the initial exchanges saw John Ryan set the tone of the match by making a crunching tackle (which made the spectators wince) to halt Spaldings first foray forward. Rasen then made the extra man count with Liam Olley going over the whitewash under the posts within the first few minutes. Tom Manson ably converted the try.

Rasen refused to let off the pressure and fairly soon the second try came after some great interplay between the forwards. Jamie Richardson received a pass with space to run into and duly took his opportunity to score his first try for the under 16's - again Tom Manson converted.

Not to be outdone by his twin brother Ryan Richardson barrelled over to score Rasen's third try. At this point Rasen opted to change kicker which was an inspired decision by the coach - Daniel Jones stepped up and the kick sailed over from distance.

Spalding's forwards continued to push forward but Daniel Jones was prolific in turning over the possession on the floor. This led to the Red and Green's fourth try scored by Stephen Roberts filling in at centre for the day. Daniel Jones converted, again from distance.

Not content just to kick points, minutes later he broke clear from a breakdown and was driven over by his forwards to score Rasen's fifth try which Tom Manson converted.

Rasen were about to really cut loose and the normally flying winger Stephen Roberts took the ball in midfield and set off on a run supported by two further players who he opted not to use and scored near the corner flag with Daniel Jones yet again converting it.

Spalding battled bravely and Rasen were unable to add to their tally before half time.

The second half began much the same as the first with the Red and Greens aware that two more scores would end the match as once a fifty point margin is achieved the game is over. They were ruthless in achieving this with Daniel Jones scoring and converting his second try to take the total to 49-0. The final play saw Ryan Richardson break away, dragging three Spalding forwards with him and with support screaming at him to pass he duly obliged with a perfect offload to Daniel Grindley who ran in unopposed from just outside the 22.

Job done inside 40 minutes. Unfortunately Daniel Jones was unable to add the gloss to an outstanding performance which saw him named man of the match.

The end of the game was marred by one of the Spalding players suffering a neck injury which resulted in the Air Ambulance attending. We have since been advised that Sam is OK and Spalding coach John Constable would like to pass on his thanks to Dr Sue Protheroe who initially attended to the injured player - many thanks Sue!!

Hopefully the side will be at full strength for next Sunday's second shield fixture at Willingham Road v West Bridgford which could see Rasen into the semi finals of the competition - all spectators welcome.

Squad: Ryan, Rayson, Burton, Richardson J, Ruck, Jones, Protheroe, Richardson R, Grindley, Manson, Roberts, Olley, Ward, Duckitt, Goldby. Subs: Casswell(ruck), Dwyer(not used)