Gainsborough All Blacks 0 Scunthorpe 5ths 10
Gainsborough’s winning run had to come to an end at some point and it was no disgrace that it came against this very strong Scunthorpe side, a side full of experience, well versed in the laws of the game and coached to play to the very edge of these laws, in all much more street wise than the fast improving and learning All Blacks.
Gainsborough kicked off into a strong wind on a day not made for the greatest Rugby, the two sides squared up to each other and clearly this was going to be a forwards battle, The tactical combination of coach Harry Sampson and captain prop Vernon Goude meant that we were never going to back down on this front. Changes had to be made to the side Dallan Ryan who as been playing well coming on from the bench had a start in place of Daniel Dodsley and Mark Taylor was in the side for the unavailable Shane Ellis, Shane had played at least 40 consecutive games prior to today’s match.
Games with defence on top leave you little to comment on and whilst good rugby was played by both sides points were at a premium in this game. The elements were against the home side, it was difficult for Gainsborough to clear their lines with kicks into the wind, this meant what small amount of ball they did have had to be run, most of the first half Scunthorpe were camped in the Gainsborough half, Vernon Goude and Shaun parker both tried to run out of defence down the middle, Chadwick tried to use his pace but breaking through was difficult. It was inevitable that the pressure would tell and Scunthorpe scored the only points of the half after 30 minutes play. This was the first time that tackles were missed by Gainsborough and the visitors capitalised and touched down to go in front.
The second half did see the All Blacks take the game to Scunthorpe more, the advantage the conditions now gave the home side did help a little, Gainsborough made what is now their customary changes putting on the fresh legs, there quest for a points breakthrough was not helped when they lost captain Goude to the sin bin for 10 minutes for handling on the floor and after he had returned the other prop Dan Hickson was unlucky to also be sent for an alleged push. 20 minutes play with only 14 men against 15 was too much to endure the defence could not hold out and Scunthorpe went over for their second try when they spun the ball out down their backs. This was the last score of the match a midfield battle of attrition took place, The Gainsborough boys took some big hits and eventually left the field well battle scared, credit to them this result was no disgrace. Whilst they continue to play to their current standard all the games will be more difficult and the opposition will be of a higher standard. All will have learnt from the match and this experience will be taken into the away fixture next week at Horncastle, players meet 12.30 at the Leisure centre.
Man of the match was Shaun Parker who worked tirelessly to keep Scunthorpe at bay and played on despite a split eye.
Next Saturday Gainsborough travel to Horncastle the squad for the game is named below, anyone requiring more details contact Nathan or Paul on 07917421029 or 07791782649.
A.Russell, D. Hickson, M. Spencer, M. Lingard, R.Tooke, P.Hooton, D.Dodsley, M.Taylor, G.Wood, S.Parker, M.Ellis jnr, E.Humphries, M. Hulley, T.Bond, D.Chadwick, M.Waterland, S.Hurst, D.Ryan, N.Mitchell, C.O’Conner, M. Collins
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