There was no other way to describe this game, it was a must-win. Coming off the back of a run of poor results, the blue-and-whites needed to pick up a win against Rolls Royce, a side below them in the table. That they did. Not always polished but the full 5 points was a welcome result for all at Eakring Road.
Head coach Wayne Robinson had something to smile about after a tough few weeks: “We knew we had to win today and we got 5 points and scored some great tries, so there are a lot of positives to take away.”
Despite not seeing much of the ball early on, it was the home team who registered the first points of the game, 3 points from the boot of John Ross Ward. A return penalty by the home team was missed but it was clear that both teams were going to take chances whenever they were given.
Despite the commanding final scoreline, Rolls Royce enjoyed their fair share of possession. For Mansfield to be so dominant for the most part they were on the receiving end of a high penalty count. Unfortunately for Rolls Royce, as much as their ideas and tenacity were there, they just couldn’t put together the finishing touches to end what were some impressive attacks throughout the game.
More than once they opened up the home defence and broke through. Their lineout wasn’t solid but largely won its own ball and their scrum exerted dominance in parts of the game. Rolls Royce’s game was summed up perfectly with around 15 minutes to go. They turned over a Mansfield scrum and won a penalty of their own. They signalled for their own scrum with the intention of driving Mansfield backwards but then failed to control it, instead having to work with slow ball from a ruck, that attack ultimately being defused.
For Mansfield, whilst 42 points is nothing to complain about, they were in such good form that there were more tries left out on the park. Wayward passing or untimely offloads was just enough to allow a good scrambling defence from the visitors to contain and nullify the attack.
That said, the home team did make a nuisance of themselves all afternoon, particularly through matchday sponsor AIPS Insurance’s Man of the Match Regan Hubbard, who proved difficult to handle all afternoon for the visitors setting up good field position.
The first try of the afternoon went to Emmanuel Ogunode, who secured the ball and dotted down to take Mansfield’s score to 8-0. A difficult kick was missed, which would be a recurring theme, but Mansfield had shown potential.
A second score by Ogunode and another added by ever-improving youngster Joe Moore, along with 2 successful conversions. This saw Mansfield end the half 22-5 points ahead, Rollys Royce’s solitary score coming from an unconverted try after an impressive counter-attack from halfway.
The second half was more of the same, good territory building by the home team saw additional scores from Sam Holmes, who also caught the eye, benefitting from a wonderful off-the-bootlaces pick up by Mark Wallace, who had a standout performance. Zane Chiappetta’s try came after a beautiful steal from Tom Newton. Another impressive youngster Will Norton-Lane added a score as did industrious Hooker Zak Walters.
A final tally of 42 points was a welcome sight after the scorelines of recent weeks. Mansfield now have a strong platform to build from, demonstrating how well they can gel together and play as a unit.
Mansfield do not have a game this Saturday and will next play away at Sileby Town on Saturday 15th February. You can follow the action on Twitter @Mansfieldrugby
After the celebrations of Saturday’s win, sadness descended upon the club on Sunday morning as we learned that long time club member and volunteer Gary Wilkes had passed away following a short illness. Gary was admitted to hospital on Friday and died early on Sunday morning.
Club Chairman Andy Foster said, "This news is very sad and come as quite a shock. Gary was unwell last week and had a few days away from his duties at the club and so to hear this news this morning has left us all reeling to say the least. Gary was a lovely man and had been a member, worker and volunteer at the club for many years. He will be very much missed by us all and our thoughts are with Carol, Sara and Bethany at this very sad time".
Details of Gary's funeral will be published on the club’s website in due course.