Mansfield close in on title
MIDLANDS 3 EAST (NORTH)
WEST BRIDGFORD 0 MANSFIELD 39
With just three games to go Mansfield edged ever nearer to claiming the League title with a comprehensive victory in Nottingham. Second placed Spalding can get to thirty eight points this season but Mansfield moved on to thirty seven on Saturday, and with a superior points difference of 200 it is arguable that one more point will see them home, two for mathematical certainty. From the start of the game it was obvious that the side that handled the blustery wind the better would carry the day, and that was Mansfield. From their kick off they chased the home defence to win a line out taken by Taylor that allowed Davies to link twice with Jones and see Pritchard charging into the 22. A quick tap penalty ended with a knock on near the line and in the next attack a marginal forward pass halted Storey who was clear of the defenders.
Robinson expertly dealt with a swirling high ball and Wills carried play close to the try line where West Bridgford attempted to run their way out of trouble. Richard Newton intercepted and was unlucky to beheld up across the line, but the reprieve was temporary. Two five metre scrums saw Wills threaten before the number eight picked up at the base of the scrum and slipped the perfect pass to Davies for the opening try. Mansfield looked to turn the screw and Davies took the restart before setting up Tom Newton and Rushby. Wills again put the ball behind the defensive line and as Mansfield poured forward the home hooker found himself with ten minutes in the sin bin. That signalled a series of penalties but despite line ball from Pritchard and Taylor there were fumbles as an over anxious Mansfield tried to force the game. Finally Kirk, supported by Drury and Stringfellow hit the heart of the defence, Pritchard carried the ball on and Rushby split the line before releasing Leighton Kirk for try number two.
He was back in action after Simmons burst through but for the next ten minutes Mansfield were concentrating on defence. First Robinson showed his experience as the last man to prevent a certain try. Next Leighton Kirk was bundling his opposite number into touch, but at great cost. Twisting in the tackle the young winger badly damaged his ankle and foot and will miss the remainder of the season. Further defence had Jones first preventing a try then counter attacking from his own line. Davies fed Wills and his long pass found Robinson who released Storey on a 90 metre run flat footing three men and rounding by the posts for Robinson to convert. That signalled the end of the half with a 17-0 lead that had been doggedly carved out. With skipper Kirk unable to continue after the break Pogmore took over the hooking duties and clean, quick ball saw Jones using the wind to great advantage sending the ball from 22 to 22. Another front change brought Grant into action in place of Drury and despite the changes Mansfield having every confidence to opt for a scrum instead of penalty kick when under the posts. West Bridgford managed to prevent a score from the drive but Robinson kicked a second penalty opportunity for a 20-0 lead.
As three quarter time approached Mansfield secured the points. An infringement on half way gave Davies the chance to tap and go, Rushby appeared on his shoulder bursting over the 22 and his pass found the brothers Newton rampaging to the line. Age and experience gave way to youth as Richard popped the ball into Tom's hands for try number four, with Robinson again adding the extra two points. Within four minutes the try count reached five. Again Mansfield enlisted the wind to send play back sixty yards and with Colley and Wills chasing play Mansfield secured an attacking line out. A textbook catch and drive saw Mansfield march fifteen metres as a unit and Pritchard control the ball to the ground. Mansfield have placed as much importance on defence and burning desire for clean sheets as their undoubted attacking prowess this campaign. West Bridgford recognised this as they strove for consolation points but found Taylor, Pogmore and Grant making telling stops around the fringes and Jones and both Newtons snuffing out attempted breaks.
As the clock ran down Mansfield had one last score and Robinson executed it with pace through the defence and a conversion to take his contribution on the day to fourteen points, and passed a century this season. ‘Every side is playing us determined to spoil that unbeaten league record,' observed Coach Steve Shaw. ‘The boys are having to put in every effort and that includes the men stepping up to fill the gaps through injuries. I have never known so many serious injuries in one season as we have suffered this year. We want three more solid displays and then look to next season with everyone fit and available again.' The league moves off centre stage for two weeks as thoughts turn to avenging the recent defeat against Newark with a home Notts Cup Semi Final at Eakring Road on Saturday. ‘We felt we could have won the NLD Cup game and the boys are determined to put the record straight,' was the message from the management after savouring this victory. ‘They and our sixteenth man, the large, vociferous Eakring Road support can get behind us and get us into the final.'
