Sharman’s moment of magic sees Spa through

Leamington progressed to the third round of the Midlands Intermediate Cup with a hard-fought win over their Midlands Two East (South) visitors.

Wellingborough were immediately caught offside from their kick-off and Spa’s forwards had the first opportunity to test the technique of the opposition’s big pack.

Spa prop Serg Paddan was up against a giant of a man. However, he and his forwards put in an almighty effort which saw Wellingborough pushed off the ball and this set the tone for the afternoon.

In the 14th minute, Spa hit the visitors with a powerful rolling maul and prop Danny Philips muscled his way over for a well-worked try which Patrick Northover calmly converted.

Wellingborough responded with some robust attacking play and, although full-back Adam Preece was able to stop one charge, the visitors were able to draw level with a try under the posts.

The visitors continued to pressurise Spa and went in front on the half-hour with an unconverted try in the corner.

Spa then lost influential back-row forward Danny Ruyssevelt with an injury to further disrupt the side.

Just before half-time and, with play lacking direction, Northover reduced the deficit to two points with a penalty.

The restart led to an immediate penalty for Spa, which Northover slotted over. And, as Spa found some rhythm, Alex Sharman and Steve Hersey combined to put more pressure on the visitors’ line, leading to a penalty which Northover converted.

The positive start to the half got better for Spa as two of their young backs conjured up a piece of magic. Fly-half Leigh Cleary put in a clever chip ahead which Tom Daplyn collected before outstripping the full-back to score under the posts. Northover’s steady boot claimed the extras.

The visitors hit back with a flurry of attacks and Cleary put in two vital kicks to alleviate the pressure.

The big Wellingborough pack continued to test Spa and their persistence was eventually rewarded with a try to bring it back to 23-17.

With the game in the balance, stout defending from the home side prevented further damage and led to the game’s defining moment.

Sharman stole the ball and began a charge up field with Northover in support on his outside. With the defence expecting a pass, the big number eight cut inside to go over for a fine individual score which Northover converted.

Further misery was in store for the visitors as Spa ran the ball from their own 22, with quick interplay between James Prince. Preece, Simon Magill and Alex Carroll allowing the latter to score in the corner.

Wellingborough had one converted try left in their tank before Spa finished their shift in grandstand style.

Quick lineout ball allowed Northover to feed Cleary, who stepped inside the cover to touch down for a try converted again by the trusty boot of Northover.