April 23, 2018 8.24 am This story is over 71 months old

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

Calveley calls time on rugby career
Lincoln's Jim Calveley, pictured with his teammate Leigh Dearden, after making his final appearance for the club before retirement. Photo: Adam Smith

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.