Coalville Consolidate Top Stop

With Coalville and Spalding going into the game placed first and second in the league, both teams knew that this game could have massive implications on the outcome of the league
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In front of a large home crowd, the pressure could be seen in both sides play, with the skill not matching the huge intensity for the opening quarter. However, Coalville settled and remained camped in Spalding’s 22 for what seemed the remainder of the half.

Carrying on from the week before, all of Coalville’s attacking play came from an excellent forward platform. The Coalville pack has shown tremendous character to turn the criticism they received before Christmas by now turning in collectively dominant displays every week in 2010. Much of this praise has to be directed at this season’s new forward coach, Stuart Redfern. The ex-Tiger has brought a new work ethic and togetherness to the forwards, reaping obvious rewards in recent performances.

After continuous battering of Spalding’s try line, the home side’s pressure finally told. Following multiple phases, fly half Dave Maine aimed a cross field kick in the direction of Captain Michael Richmond who managed to touch down, after getting a fortunate bounce to outfox the Spalding cover. Maine duly converting. Coalville managed to add a further three points through Maine’s ever reliable boot, add went in to half time with the score at 10-0.

The second half was a much more even affair, with both sides missing opportunities to increase their score. Coalville extended their lead early in the Second half, with more ill-discipline from Spalding costing them a further 3 points. However, Spalding gave the home side a wakeup call, with an exceptional break away try to reduce the scores to within one converted try.

This proved to be Coalville’s only fright, as Maine put the home side 16-7 up with an easy penalty in front of the posts and with that went Spalding’s chance in the game. Coalville seemed comfortable soaking up any further pressure, eventually coming out as relatively comfortable winners.

Town are now in an enviable position at the top of Midlands 2 East (North) with two points and a game in hand in front of their closest challengers Market Rasen.

Despite an excellent performance, Coaville were dealt a massive blow with injuries to lock Carl Roberts (thigh), centre Moretta (ribs) and Captain Richmond (hamstring), all of who look set to miss the next home game against League strugglers Lincoln.