Rugby Report: Lincoln men’s second team beat North Hykeham

Jake Keeton crossed for two tries as Lincoln’s 2nd XV came out on top with a 29-14 win at city rivals North Hykeham.

Josh Pratt, David Beveridge and Marcus Dawkins also got their names on the scoresheet, with the latter and his fellow youngsters Aaron Codling and Jasper Nilsson performing excellently.

Lincoln fell behind to an early converted try, but hit back when some quick offloading from Josh Brown and John Feeney set up James Johnson Junior, who passed for Keeton to go over for a try, which Richie Dixon converted.

John Feeney in action against North Hykeham was heavily involved in some of Lincoln’s tries. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Lincoln took the lead midway through the first half when Dawkins dived on the ball for a try, which Dixon converted.

The visitors extended their advantage through a great individual try from Pratt, who got the ball on halfway and ran past multiple defenders to score near the posts.

Hykeham reduced the deficit with a converted try from the last play of the first half, leaving Lincoln with a slender 19-14 half-time advantage.

Lincoln increased their lead early in the second half when brilliant team play, including great work with red balls from Dawkins and Codling, worked an overlap to put Keeton in for his second try.

Lincoln sealed the win when Feeney was put through a gap on the blindside of a ruck by Dixon before beating a player and offloading to Beveridge. Beveridge then made a break through the middle before exchanging passes in a two on one and dummying past the last defender for a try in the corner.

After the match 2nd XV coach Aaron Bird said: “It was a real great performance with a mixture of levels, abilities and experience.

“The lads really played for the shirt led by the senior players and every player put their hands up to Lincoln’s success.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV host Ilkeston on Saturday, while Lincoln Ladies travel to Coalville for a double header on Sunday.

OTHER RESULTS Elsewhere in the county Scunthorpe beat Doncaster Phoenix 19-0 in the Midlands Premier. In Midlands Three East (North) Kesteven were awarded a home walkover against Buxton, while Spalding beat Rolls Royce 19-7. Long Eaton were awarded an away walkover at Sleaford.

Market Rasen & Louth booked their place in the Lincolnshire Cup Final with a convincing 55-12 win against Sleaford on Wednesday. They will play the winner of the other semi-final between Lincoln and Scunthorpe.