Relieved Mansfield return to form in must-win showdown

Dominant Mansfield made no mistake in a match described as must-win after a string of poor results had sent them spinning down the table.
Mansfield charge for the posts during their victory over Rolls-Royce.Mansfield charge for the posts during their victory over Rolls-Royce.
Mansfield charge for the posts during their victory over Rolls-Royce.

The blue-and-whites cantered to a 42-5 victory over Rolls-Royce, who sit bottom of the Midlands 3 East (North) division of the National League, having lost 14 of their 15 fixtures.

And it left relieved head coach Wayne Robinson with something to smile about at last after a tough few weeks.

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Robinson said: “We knew we had to win, and we got five points while scoring some great tries, so there were a lot of positives to take away.”

Despite the scoreline, Rolls enjoyed their fair share of possession, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to some impressive attacks.

Mansfield got off the mark with a John Ross Ward penalty, and their first two tries were scored by Emmanuel Ogunode. A third, added by ever-improving youngster Joe Moore, along with two conversions, gave the hosts a 22-5 lead at half-time.

The second half delivered more of the same. Good territory-building saw additional scores from the eyecatching Sam Holmes, who benefited from a wonderful, off-the-bootlaces pick-up by the outstanding Mark Wallace.

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Zane Chiappetta also got on the scoresheet after a beautiful steal from Tom Newton, and further tries came from another impressive youngster, Will Norton-Lane, as well as industrious hooker Zak Walters.

The final tally of 42 points was a welcome sight after the scorelines of recent weeks. Mansfield, who sit ninth in the 12-team table, don’t have a game this Saturday, but they return to league action with a trip to struggling Sileby Town on Saturday, February 15.

Sadly, Mansfield’s victory celebrations didn’t last long because it was learned on Sunday morning that club member and volunteer Gary Wilkes had died after a short illness.

Chairman Andy Foster said: “The news came as quite a shock. Gary was unwell last week and had a few days away from his duties, but to hear this has left us reeling.

“He was a lovely man and had been with the club for many years. He will be much missed, and our thoughts are with his family.”