A BUMPER crowd turned out for the Meggies' final league game of the season – and they were rewarded with a comfortable 38-5 victory over Nottinghamians.
It was the away side that started the stronger, dominating play in the loose and forcing Cleethorpes onto the back-foot for most of the first half.
Despite having the upper hand in the set-piece, Cleethorpes were out-fought at the breakdown and something had to change after the break.
After a goal-less first half, few would have predicted the feast of running rugby that was to follow.
From the restart, the hosts forced a mistake and a great penalty from Steve Broderick gave the home side a line-out five metres out.
A routine catch-and-drive from the resulting maul led to John Marris opening the try scoring for the afternoon, with Broderick converting.
This gave the Meggies confidence they needed and they quickly added to their lead when Pete Southwell intercepted in midfield, and sprinted 60 metres to score, under the posts.
The 'Hamians were now struggling to contain the rampant home side, who were moving the ball with a confidence not seen since the start of the season.
Two more tries were added in no time to finish the game off as a contest.
The task now was not to allow 'Hamians any consolation score, and the hosts stood firm with some impressive defending.
With the ball, Meggies looked like they could score at will – Adam Fanthorpe and Jason Williams soon added to their tallies for the season, with the ever-reliable Broderick converting.
But with only five minutes to go 'Hamians got their deserved score – a hopeful kick over the top, combined with a cruel bounce, allowed the visitors to go over in the corner.
The final league position of seventh is Cleethorpes highest league finish in recent seasons – setting them up well for next year's campaign.
On Saturday, Meggies will entertain league champions Boston in the semi-final of the Lincs Junior Cup.
