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Red and Blacks lose out to fellow strugglers
Sleaford 1st XV 5 West Bridgford 37 SLEAFORD slumped to a heavy defeat at home to fellow strugglers West Bridgford on Saturday.
Desperately in need of a victory, Sleaford started promisingly, taking the lead with an interception try by James Cowell, who sprinted 70 metres to score.
The visitors responded quickly, levelling the score with a try of their own and adding the conversion to move two points clear.
Defences were on top for most of the first half as both sides fought hard for possession. Shaun Fisher and Adam Downing made telling tackles for the Red and Blacks, as West Bridgford, directed by some excellent tactical kicking, pushed Sleaford to their limits.
The second half started brighter for Sleaford as they began to put more structure into their play. Attacking down the right, breaks by centres Sharpe and Batchelor took Sleaford into the Bridgford 22.
A series of rucks from a now dominant Sleaford pack were repelled by ferocious defence and the Red and Blacks had to settle for a line out five metres from the line.
The key moment of the game came early in the second half. A clean catch by Downing was driven towards the line. Prop Davies, supported by Chambers, rolled out of the maul and grounded the ball for what seemed a certain try.
But home celebrations were short-lived as the referee, unable to see, ruled the ball was held up. West Bridgford cleared their lines and shortly after scored again.
Despite a huge effort by some of the team, led by indefatigable captain Johnny Pocklington, Sleaford began to lose their grip on the game and were forced to defend.
Injuries to Bradwell and later Pocklington, showed the physical nature of the game.
West Bridgford took advantage as Sleaford tired and late scores for the visitors put the game beyond any chance of a comeback.
Sleaford host Lincoln on Saturday in a game they must win to have any chance of survival.
Sleaford 1st XV: Davies, Cockroft, Beswick, Chambers, Downing, Bradwell, Fisher, Pocklington, Lloyd, Veall, Batchelor, Sharpe, Bandy, Cowell, Williams, Hards, Speight
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
