By the skin of our teeth a win by a point

With 7 unavailable form last weeks win at Bridgford, we travelled to Sleaford with resouces depleted but still confident.

Playing into a deceptively strong wind, the game started poorly and got steadily worse. Sleaford to there credit were up for it and quickly got posession after the kick off and after a few phases of play scored with ease but thankfully pulled the kick wide 5 - 0.

Bingham came back with a few attacks, running quick penalties but as soon as got near the Sleaford 22, found the ball carrier getting isolated and losing possession. The Sleaford 10 had one of the biggest boots we have come across this season and he quickly put Bingham on the back foot. A penalty extended the lead to 8 - 0.

Bingham attacked again but as we get to line and a score begging indecision, running into traffic and once again getting isolated conceded a penalty and with back chat a yellow to Andy Watts.

we held firm but after getting back to 15 men, a chip over and collected by the Sleaford 10 had a 3 on 1 with Will North who took the 10 down but with help too slow Sleaford were able to go over again. A missed conversion but now facing a 13 - 0 deficit, lineouts not working and forwards not dominating. With the wind, Sleaford take a kick at goal from just inside the Bingham half but falls short

half time 13 - 0 down

A much better start to the 2nd half pressure coming from the scrum and after recycling 4/5 times, Anthonly Thomas wriggled over; converted by Tom Packer 13 - 7.

The scrum became far more dominant to the extent where Sleaford opted for lineouts when they could but just no cohesion in the Bingham attack. whenever we got into the Sleaford 22, we lost control and the boot of the Sleaford 10 relieved the pressure.

Sleaford were clearly up for revenge for the heavy defeat early in the season and battled hard and were able to slow down any decent ball Bingham were able to achieve and were constantly able to get round the fringes.

Sleaford were able only able to threaten sporadically and as with the 1st half, defences were able to clear using the wind. with about 10minutes to go, the pressure began to tell with scrums in the Sleaford 22m. A pick up by Jonathan Thomas and break got him over the line and for some reason we were called back for another Bingham scrum - thankfully JT managed to repeat his feat and under pressure Tom Packer slotted the conversion 13 - 14.

we pressed again and as another try looked on possession lost. Sleaford attacked in the last 5 and missed with a drop kick and Bingham managed to hold on for the win.

Really grateful to all who filled in, Chris Spibey on the wing, Jason Churchill for starting, Welsh Jim, Alex and Simon Jenkinson.

Unfortunately a case of not turning up, no one taking control and some poor decisions but a win which could prove crucial with 5 games to go

And then, we learn Moderns lose at home to Southwell 5 - 17 & Newark lose away to Mellish 19 - 15 Talk about get out jail - how crucial does this weekend win look now

Will publish league table as soon as they available