NLD Shield ¼ final - 17th October 2015

NLD Shield ¼ final

Mansfield 23 v Nottingham Casuals 28
17th October 2015

Casuals’ resilience wins the game, and a second success over Mansfield, in yet another tight game.
New faces brought in step up and show their metal

Casuals made a slow start, playing into wind and up slope and they struggled to contain Mansfield’s pick and drive game giving the hosts multiple penalty shots at goal and they were successful from one, followed quickly by a try, after some powerful forward play from a driving line out. 10-0.
Casuals unfortunately lost both second rows to injury within the first 15 minutes which forced a reshuffle in the pack, with 4 props now on the field.

Casuals managed to get some parity in the driving game mid way through first half and this led to points when a strong driving maul was assisted by a couple of the backs and Mark Higgins was able to sneak over, the conversion from the touch line bouncing back off the crossbar.

Mansfield used the slope and wind to their advantage and Casuals' discipline consistently let them down with frustration setting in following a number of penalties at the ruck and a yellow card to Andrew Brown. This allowed the home side to get 2 further unconverted tries and a well struck penalty goal, but Casuals never looked out of it, despite losing a second man to the bin later in the half. They were always threatening out wide with breaks from Howatson and Jamie Baxter, (making his debut on the wing), looking extremely sharp. A rare first half foray into the Mansfield half originated from a break out from the dangerous visiting backs, and after the forwards sucked in defenders, the move went blind, off quick ball and Steve Naylor drove through. A clever offload to Gareth Davies-Jones led to a try in the corner. Conversion again bounced back off the crossbar. Half time score 23-10 but Casuals now felt confident.

In the second half Mansfield really didn't threaten the Casuals line. Some astute tactical kicking and excellent set piece providied Casuals with both the possession and territory from which to launch their attacks. Unfortunately further disciplinary problems, led to some early penalties from which Mansfield could clear their lines. Eventually though, the Casuals got to grips with the referees interpretation at the breakdown and focused on providing good quick ball, and from this the 3rd and 4th try came in quick succession with Alex Walkden and Andrew Brown benefiting from good driving play from the forwards. A penalty kick drew the scores level with a couple minutes to go and then it was time for a final push. A penalty was kicked to the corner, trusting the line out which had been exemplary all day, but some quick thinking from Mansfield led to a scrum to them after accidental offside. Mansfield tried to drive it out from under their posts with a strong wind in their face, but strong tackling forced a turnover and Steve John gratefully scored the winning points.

Southwell next week and a chance to return to league action with great confidence.
Thanks MH for the report