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Mansfield battle to go top Powergen Midlands 2 East NOTTINGHAM MODERNS  10   MANSFIELD  29 A memorable weekend for English rugby, trophies won by England and Mansfield and for the Blue and Whites the added pleasure of moving to the top of the league. In both cases the so called underdogs made the hot favourites fight every inch of the way to claim the spoils. Moderns kicked off but found themselves on the defence immediately as Roberts secured the ball, Rutter put the ball into the home half and to set the pattern for the day Pike rose majestically to steal the Moderns’ throw. That line out dominance was a major factor in structuring Mansfield’s win, along with the emergence of Mansfield’s youngsters at top level. Slinn broke the gain line to allow a flowing three quarter attack ending with Storey touching down in the corner but unfortunately putting a foot in touch on the way. Again Moderns struggled with their lineout, a scrum saw Roberts peel away and link with Kirk and Slinn to take play to the line but the slippery ball saw the first of many knock-ons that littered the afternoon. An offside decision allowed Moderns a foray into the Mansfield 22 and they made the most of the chance. Two good midfield runs set up space and an unconverted try wide on the right. Mansfield struck back immediately. Stringfellow followed the kick off and a bone-crushing tackle dislodged the ball, Newbould scooped it up and fed Kirk who took play to the 22 with Roberts in support. The number eight nimbly pirouetted between two tacklers before racing away under the posts giving Rutter the easiest of conversions.   The Mansfield wingers Williams and Storey stood firm under testing high balls and turned defence into attack with strong runs and good linkages with the mobile back row. Newton turned ball over for Mansfield and Holmes continually broke the gain line as they kept up territorial supremacy against a stubborn home defence. Pike, Newbould and Kirk threatened to break through, Wilson powered to the line and Stringfellow couldn’t cleanly ground the ball over the line. Three more scrums and drives saw Davies and Williams stopped and Jones held up before finally Rutter went across with three men hanging on to him. His conversion gave a two score gap and a half time lead of 14-5. The second period showed no change in the pattern of play. Pike and Slinn on the charge, Wilson and Jones with incisive angled runs and the Mansfield pack dominating. However, just as in the first half after ten minutes on the back foot Moderns snatched a try. A suspicion of offside as Mansfield seemed destined for a try, a juggled interception and ninety metre dash up the touchline. Wilson looked to have put in a try saving tackle and forced man and ball out in touch in goal but the referee from some distance saw the try as good. Soar replaced Slinn to the immediate discomfort of the home front row in the scrum and with two big tackles to snuff out Moderns attacks. Jones changed the direction of Mansfield’s attack, Pike again gave perfect ball from a line out and Roberts reacted with a quick tap penalty which Robinson selflessly fed to Storey for try number three. Rutter converted and followed up with a penalty to take Mansfield into a 22-10 lead. Lindsay, on for Pike, injected pace through the centre and Holmes fielded a ball on his own 22 to start a passage of play covering half the length of the pitch. A rolling maul saw Mansfield scattering defenders before Lindsay and Newton broke clear, the latter ensuring the touchdown. With the minutes ticking away Richard was joined by his brother Tom Newton for his initial first team experience, another testimony to Mansfield’s youth programme. His speed to the breakdown and keenness was evident with two notable tackles before the final whistle and two points to take Mansfield ahead of South Leicester on points difference at the top of the table. The morning saw England lift the World Cup for the first time and the afternoon Mansfield retain the Stag and Swan Cup, both after determined resistance. Mansfield’s Youth/Seniors liaison officer Richard Radford reflected on an exhausting day of England and Mansfield tension. “The atmosphere and nerves were palpable. You could smell, taste and feel it, now I have a relieved sensation.” With two teenagers coming into the Firsts in the last month and more knocking on the door the club are in confident mood that the future is in good hands. That was borne out as alongside at Wilford Mansfield’s Fourths edged out Moderns Thirds 11-10 to stay top of the Third team league. At Eakring Road the battle of two of the top Second Teams went the way of Mansfield 36-8. Mansfield U14's cruised to a 57 - 0 victory at Mellish in their fourth away match on the trot.  Mansfield totally dominated the first period, playing the whole 30 minutes in the opposition half scoring 5 tries, against a gutsy Mellish side, through Sam Johnson, Jim Smith (2), Joe Kimberley and Sam Cordin.  The second period followed the pattern of the first with Mansfield using rolling substitutes to ensure the whole squad was utilised.  A further four tries from Smith, Tommy Blythe, Oliver Wardman and Danny Ellis were scored and Tom Clark increased his conversion count to 6 from 9.  Man of the match was hard working scrum half Sam Johnson. Mansfield u13s cup run continues with them booking their place in the NLD cup semi final after a 50 – 5 win over Market Rasen. Mansfield totally dominated the game against a much bigger pack, with sleek passing and elusive running to score a total of 8 tries. Three for Ross Elms were added to by Adam Shaw, Ryan Hough, Daniel Dougdale, Jono Cordin and from Man of the Match Ellis Keegan.  Mansfield u11s drew with Newark 11 points all. Once again Mansfield can take great credit for the draw against what was the best opposition they have faced. The game was split into three periods, which saw Mansfield face fresh legs each time, such was the numbers of the Newark side. They were however undaunted by this and gave what was their best all round performance with tries coming from Declan Kavanagh, Tom Lowery, and Arran Martin in only his second game. A great all round team performance, but the man of the match this week was Josh Kimberley. This Sunday the U11’s play in a tournament at Paviors, meet at the clubhouse at 9.15am, to travel in cars. Training this Thursday at 6.00pm News straight in from the far side of the Baltic state of Sutton, details of the forthcoming and much anticipated tour for next year have now been finalised. Friday 4th through to Monday 7th June will be the dates for the full fancy dress extravaganza at the international Slovenian Beach 5's Tournament. With the immense backing of the World renown media juggernaut that is 'MRL Promotions', colossal interest will no doubt be generated for this tour, and with places strictly limited, all those wanting to be considered for selection for tour please register your names by emailing radda@roylowe.co.uk

 

 

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