Rugby Report: Late try sees Calveley’s Lincoln swansong end in defeat

Jim Calveley hung up his boots after Lincoln’s 1st XV’s last away league game of the season ended in a 20-17 defeat at Loughborough, which lifted their opponents off the bottom of the table.

Lincoln lost James Kirk to the sin bin before Kieran Hewgill went over for a try near the corner to put Loughborough ahead midway through the first half.

The visitors were reduced to 13 men when Joe Moore received a yellow card and Loughborough took advantage with Stephen Sands going over for a try.

Loughborough lost a player to the sin bin eight minutes before the break and Lincoln reduced the deficit as quick hands set up Mike Keegan to run in for a try.

Lincoln centre Jack Kinsey in action against Loughborough. Photo: Sharon Stringer

Lincoln levelled the scores when Mitch Ashworth took the ball from the back of a maul before popping it out to Sam Cowles, who drove over for a try.

Thomas Kirby slotted over a penalty deep into added time to give Loughborough a narrow 13-10 half-time lead.

Lincoln moved in front after 63 minutes when Moore powered through tackles and sprinted clear from just inside the opposition half for a try, which Kirk converted.

The visitors lost Leigh Dearden to the sin bin before Loughborough snatched victory late on as a forward drive put Hewgill over for his second try, which Kirby converted.

Jordan Beaumont jumps to win a lineout against Loughborough. Photo: Sharon Stringer

After the match club stalwart Calveley said: “I am very proud to have finished my career where I started as an under six mini at a club where my dad played.

“I have three lads coming up through the youth system. I love the club and am sad to be hanging up my boots. I have had great times and leave the club in a good position.”

Lincoln, who are guaranteed to finish sixth, end their league campaign at home against Coalville on Saturday (April 28). Lincoln’s 3rd XV will host a Lincolnshire Police side.

OTHER RESULTS Scunthorpe lost their final league game of the season 31-26 against Midlands Premier champions Birmingham & Solihull. In Midlands One East Market Rasen & Louth finished the league season bottom and without a win after a 64-0 defeat at Old Northamptonians.

Stamford finished second from bottom in Midlands Two East (South) after losing 24-15 against Belgrave. Grimsby finished bottom of Midlands Three East (North) after conceding a home walkover at Rolls Royce. Sleaford (5th) beat Birstall 39-24, Spalding (8th) won 43-12 against Belper and Kesteven (4th) lost 35-28 at Nottingham Moderns.

Basement club Boston, and Skegness, finished in the bottom two of Midlands Four East (North). Boston lost 20-12 at Worksop while Skegness were defeated 44-10 by East Retford. In Midlands Four East (South) Bourne finished second despite a 19-7 defeat at Thorney.

Cleethorpes were crowned champions of Midlands Five East (North) after a 38-19 win at Nottinghamians. Second-placed North Hykeham beat Gainsborough (5th) 25-14.