Horncastles first team was a very capable side, but they were missing one of their props and called for uncontested scrums throughout the game. Frustrated front row, Bains, Bains and Davis battled on. With the game now in full throw, Sleafords solid platform of Stu Moran and Kev Kitchen gave srum-half Andy Dale a steady ball which quickly was made out to the backs. The first half Sleafords backs were dominating play, moving the ball freely, looking for weaknesses in the Horncastle defence. Eventually fly-half Chris Ambler broke through their line with an outrageous 'dummie', off loaded the ball to inside-centre Dave Beaver and on again to outside-centre Farquar Ramode who changed the angle of the run and came back inside eventually being tackled to the ground, flankers Scott Nairn and Nick Foley secured the ball ready for the number eight, Sean Walker to take the ball at pace who proceeded to carry the ball forward for his first try for Sleaford. Horncastle had very little answers for the Sleaford backs, crash balls from Ramode made penetrating the defence easy. A rare mistake from Sleafords back line found full-back Andy Stobart under pressure with four Horncastle players bearing down on him. Quickly, he kicked the ball to touch, the ball bounced awkwardly and was caught by Horncastle. Horncastle was back on the attack and a try was surely on, however, a crunching tackle by Dave Beaver caused Horncastles ball carrier to drop the ball forward. Playing on advantage, Sleafords Sean Walker attempted a drop goal which narrowly missed, lightning winger Ian Walker ceased the opportunity and caught Horncastle 'napping', he sprinted behind the uprights and grounded the ball to score his first try for Sleaford. The second half Into the second half and Sleafords domination was beginning to wain, it was a very hot day and due to the uncontested scrums there was a lot of tried legs. Substitutions were made and the very experienced Stu Sharman stepped in at scrum-half, he delivered the ball with amazing accuracy and Sleaford were on the attack again. Substitued flanker Lee Collier found himself sprinting deep into Horncastles twenty-two with no back up and on his own, he was tackled to the ground and the ball stolen from him. Before long Horncastle scored and converted the try. Minutes later Horncastle were awarded a penalty and the scores were level at 10 - 10. Now under pressure Sleaford needed the ball and another mistake allowed Horncastle a further try. Sleaford now trailing by five points, needed action to be taken. Stern words from Stu Sharman and Andy Dale shook the team back into focus. Extreme tackling by 'rookie' player, Rob Coleman and Scott Collier sent Hornacastle tumbling backwards and on Horncastles twenty-two metre line, second row replacement, Big Dave screamed for a crash ball and he broke through Horncastles defence. Ruck after ruck Sleaford were moving forward, flanker Tarek Hayat 'popped' the ball up for full-back Richard Clarricoates to storm through with three players hanging off him and scored for Sleaford. Moving on into injury time, Sleaford were 'pumping', losing Richard Clarricoates and Farquar to injury, Mathew Frisby took the field, with the minutes ticking away. Mathews first touch of the ball was driven over the line to the crowds delight, and the winning try was scored. The whislte blew for full time, Sleaford Fourths first win of the season had been achieved. Sleaford 20-15 Horncastle. - Team: Andy Bains (Captain), Mark Davi, Chris Bains, Stu Moran, Kev Kitchen, Nock Foley, Scott Nairn, Sean Walker, Andy Dale, Chris Ambler, Dave Beaver, Farquar Ramode. Ian Walker, Ashley Goodwin, Andy Stobart, Stu Sharamn, Martin Woolartt, Scott Collier, Lee Collier, Big Dave, Speedy Mark, Tarek Hayat, Rob Coleman and Richard Clarricoates.
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