Holmes, sweet Holmes for confident Mansfield in county cup

Confident Mansfield's improved form continued when a late try by Sam Holmes enabled them to squeeze past Moderns by a single point in the Nottinghamshire Intermediate County Cup.
Action from Mansfields narrow victory over Nottinghamshire rivals, Moderns.Action from Mansfields narrow victory over Nottinghamshire rivals, Moderns.
Action from Mansfields narrow victory over Nottinghamshire rivals, Moderns.

The performance might have lacked the flair and adventure of their previous three wins on the trot. But the 15-14 triumph proved that both their self-belief and winning mentality are growing fast.

Head coach Wayne Robinson said: “We faced a tenacious Moderns defence that kept us quiet for most of the second half. But I was pleased with the way we stuck at it. Ultimately, I was proud of the boys.”

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A blustery day prevented any hopes of flowing, running rugby with lots of tries. But both teams still gave their all, and Moderns, who have suffered only two defeats all season, looked the sharpest early on, putting together numerous phases to try and work their way into the Mansfield half and get some points on the board.

Unfortunately for them, a wayward pass was intercepted by Mansfield’s Regan Hubbard, playing only his second game back after a broken ankle, and he sprinted 40 metres to register the game’s first score. A difficult conversion was missed.

Moments later, the blue-and-whites received a penalty and with it being just outside fly half Jon-Ross Ward’s kicking range, he opted to go for the line instead. As a result, Mansfield set a powerful rolling maul, providing a platform for the ball to spin out to Joe Ducker, who powered through to add to his impressive tally of recent weeks and double the hosts’ lead to 10-0.

Much of the next hour belonged to Moderns. Tenacious, committed defence saw them repel numerous attacks by the blue-and-whites. And although the home scrum

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maintained a level of dominance, the visitors recorded the next two scores, either side of half-time.

The first, after a sustained bout of stalemate, saw Moderns put some phases together, recycle well and take advantage of a Mansfield team who had seemingly taken their eye off the ball. A successful conversion followed.

The second was a continuation of the same theme as Moderns built phases and territory well while Mansfield were unable to answer the questions being asked. Gicven the amnount of possession the visitors were enjoying, the try was inevitable and when it was aided by another successful conversion, they led 14-10.

Mansfield responded by sending two 17-year-olds into the fray for their debuts, and both Max Limb and Zane Chiappetta, acquitted themselves well.

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Solid defence by the forward pack, including standout flanker Phil Pogmore, frustrated Moderns’ attempt to extend their lead and as Mansfield woke up again, they snatched victory late on. A succession of scrums finally broke down a dogged defence and Holmes went over for the winning try.

This weekend, Mansfield are back in league action and travel to leaders Lincoln.

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