Mansfield book semi-final place
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CUP QUARTER FINAL
MANSFIELD 51 MELLISH 7
Mansfield overcame spirited, full-blooded resistance from an experienced Mellish side to book their second semi final of the season. Once again the Blue and Whites topped a half-century of points in the game as they ran in nine tries. ‘We mixed the squad round for this game and everyone gave performances they can be proud of. We played some super open rugby and only the last minute break prevented another defensive clean sheet,’ was Coach Steve Shaw’s verdict.
Once again it was Mansfield who imposed their authority on the game early, leaving the opposition to play catch up. Mellish failed to clear ten metres with their kick off and Mansfield used the scrum back to send Spencer on the first of many pick up runs of the afternoon. Hooper was on hand to ensure ball was quickly recycled and Wilson needed no second invitation to complete the move with the first of his hat trick of tries. Robinson added the conversion but within two minutes just failed to repeat the act as Mansfield swept over in the corner.
Mansfield took the ball left and Colley penetrated the 22 before the forwards drove close to the line and Mansfield switched right through Wills, Rushby and Wilson. The ball reached debutante winger Leighton Kirk and he demonstrated the speed that has impressed in training since moving from Ollerton. Twelve points scored in the opening five minutes and a mountain for Mellish to climb.
The Mapperley side did have experienced heads and the tactics to thwart Mansfield’s desire for quick ball and far from caving in they competed for the next half hour restricting Mansfield to drives from the back row and bullocking runs by Pritchard and Stringfellow. In defence Wilson, Robinson, Newton and Shaw all covered breaks well and solid tackles from Colley and Rushby held the visitors at bay.
With the penalty count for infringements mounting and just five minutes to the break Mansfield again stepped up a gear. After Lee Kirk and Wills linked and Grant broke the line of the defence Wilson seized the chance for a quick tap penalty, he fed Wills who ghosted through. Within three minutes Mansfield had collected the kick off through Lee Kirk, seen Simmons make twenty metres through traffic and Pritchard on a gallop. A trip on Wilson meant another penalty and again the quick tap caught out Mellish, this time Wilson completing the move himself.
With both tries converted by Robinson Mansfield turned round with a comfortable 24-0 lead. Again the message at Eakring Road is hit the ground running and the first seven minutes of the second period saw another dozen points added.
Rushby and Simmons benefited from Mansfield recovering their own kick off and after Wills chipped the side into an attacking position Wilson, Colley and Kirk presented the chance for Pritchard to race in behind the posts and Robinson again added the extra two points. Not to be out done the next attack saw Leighton Kirk thwarted by a foot in touch but from the line out Stringfellow ensuring the second row were well established on the try scorers’ list.
Elms replaced Robinson and immediately showed his tactical kicking game to peg Mellish back in their half and after Wilson completed his hat trick on the hour, collecting in his own 22 and outpacing everyone else over seventy metres, Mansfield’s triple replacements saw the whole squad in action.
Coleman made an immediate impression in the front row at the set pieces and took on the visitors defence. A switch of Newton brothers still meant effective tidying at the back of the line out and Pogmore’s speed had him covering across field defensively to cut out the Mellish backs.
After Pritchard drove fifteen metres wide right Leighton Kirk got the second try his performance deserved. There was more to follow. Colley used his strength to steal ball and after Coleman brushed two tacklers aside it was Pritchard again striding out for the line. Handing off players around him, all in Blue and White shirts, he ensured he was to claim his second and Mansfield’s ninth try of the afternoon.
Despite a red card reducing Mellish to fourteen men they did have the last score. A mix up at a Mansfield scrum saw loose ball seized upon and a break way to the posts for a consolation seven points the visitors never say die attitude deserved. A place in Thursday’s semi final draw secure and confirmation of a trip to Newark in February for the NLD Semi Final rounded off Mansfield’s cup weekend.
Now they turn their attention back to the league on Saturday when they travel to bottom placed Oakham. After an early season drubbing at Eakring Road the Leicestershire side have picked up form in recent games and are bound to be a tougher opposition than in the first game. Mansfield will, however, be looking to consolidated their five point advantage at the top of the table, particularly with closest rivals Spalding and Ilkeston playing each other and Coalville facing a tricky trip to Glossop.
