Rusty Mansfield Blown Away
Powergen Midlands 2 East
MANSFIELD 0 SOUTH LEICESTER 27
Horrible conditions and a horrible performance to match was the verdict of the Eakring Road faithful on Saturday night. In driving wind and rain ‘rusty’ was the verdict of Captain Brad Rutter and ‘Shell shocked’ that of Coach John Tasker. Mansfield’s first competitive game of the season saw them lacking the sharpness and cohesion of opponents who have hit the ground running this season with two impressive away wins in the opening fortnight.
The first forty minutes saw Mansfield create few chances. On ten minutes good forward work saw the Blue and Whites roll and maul their way through the 22 to set up siege five metres out. Despite developing to the South line and winning a penalty for offside Mansfield contrived to loose the head and a golden chance went begging.
On twenty minutes anxiousness and impetuousness saw a penalty given away and neatly stroked between the posts despite the conditions. Almost immediately Waterhouse was called to produce a try saving penalty. Despite typical terrier like forays from Holmes and solid support from Newbould Mansfield were unable to control the ball and mount concerted attacks. With both line out and set scrums creaking under pressure clean possession for the backs was at a minimum and the best attacking options were developed with long balls being run back by Arnold and Wells.
A second penalty following a fumble in midfield saw Mansfield turn round 6-0 adrift but far from out of the game. Early pressure looked certain to bring points but a knock on under the posts allowed South off the hook. Rutter looked on his way to a try but had a foot just in touch. The introduction of Ashley and Taylor saw revitalised attacking probes but failure to control possession close to touch frustrated scoring chances.
The Leicester side decided that the slippery ball was best used on the end of a boot high to the Mansfield line and with the home side failing to find the flair to break away the tactic brought its reward. An attempt to inject flair and surprise from a 22 went horribly wrong and gifted the first converted try to the visitors. That signalled even more frenetic play and the inevitable fumbles at key points.
Two more tries, one on the final whistle, gave a gloss to the score line as South notched 27 points for the second week running on opponents’ grounds and posted their early season credentials as promotion candidates. ‘We only played for ten minutes in each half and didn’t turn up for the rest was the disappointed reaction of one of the experienced players’, hopefully the learning curve and gelling of the side will be a rapid one.
It will certainly be put to the test this weekend when Mansfield travel to Bradford Salem, who have tasted previous Twickenham success in the National Cups, for their Intermediate Cup tie. The Bradford side have begun well with victories at Goole 15 – 12 and home to Bridlington 33 – 6. If Mansfield are to progress a big step up in form and teamwork is called for.
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