Rugby Report: Lincoln’s men’s first team end league season on a high

James Kirk showed nerves of steel to kick over a late penalty as Lincoln’s 1st XV ended their season on a high with an 18-17 victory over Coalville.

Jordan Beaumont and Matt Walker crossed for Lincoln’s tries, with Kirk adding two penalties and a conversion.

Joe Rummings grabbed a hat-trick of tries for third-placed Coalville, who lost Matthew Twigg to a broken ankle in the first half.

Prop Adam Smith made his final appearance for Lincoln, who finished sixth in Midlands Two East (North).

Coalville opened the scoring after six minutes when Joe Rummings ran in for a try, which Jordan Gadsby converted.

There was a lengthy stoppage after 15 minutes when Coalville’s scrum-half Twigg had to be stretchered off with a broken ankle.

Lincoln levelled midway through the first half when Beaumont broke through the defence and was tackled, but he wasn’t held and was able to get back up and run in for a try under the posts.

Jordan Beaumont crossed for Lincoln’s first try against Coalville. Photo: Mike Lincoln/Linxpix

Kirk added the conversion before slotting over a penalty to edge Lincoln in front after 24 minutes.

Beaumont, Smith, Matt Keeton and Sam Cowles all put in great tackles to keep Coalville out before Rummings forced his way over for a try in the corner to give the visitors a 12-10 half-time lead.

Lincoln regained the lead around the hour mark when Richie Dixon made a great break and offloaded for substitute Walker to run in for a try.

Rummings crossed for his hat-trick try late on before Lincoln snatched victory with two minutes remaining as Kirk showed great composure to slot over a penalty.

Lincoln’s stand-in captain Leigh Dearden in action against Coalville. Photo: Mike Lincoln/Linxpix

After the match stand-in captain Leigh Dearden said: “Personally it was a very proud moment for me getting to captain a team I feel fortunate to be part of and feel welcomed by.

“The thing that sticks for me is that we’re building something here at Lincoln and this match shows the grit and fortitude we have in abundance.”

Lincoln’s third team finished their season with a 38-15 home win against Lincolnshire Police.

Ryan Tinsley with the ball as Lincoln’s third team beat Lincolnshire Police 38-15. Photo: Brian Penney

Meanwhile, Lincoln winger Jake Keeton could feature for the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Derbyshire (NLD) Under-20s in the Under-20s Championship Final against Lancashire on May 6.

First team fly-half Kirk will play on the international stage for Malta against Lithuania in a play-off for promotion into Europe’s Trophy competition on May 19.

Lincoln will host Sedgley Park in a friendly on May 19, while the club’s men and ladies are set to go on tour to a Chester sevens tournament on June 15 to 17.

OTHER RESULTS Gainsborough progressed through to the Lincolnshire Intermediate Cup Final after an 8-5 victory over Deepings. Cleethorpes completed a league and cup double after beating Nottinghamians 12-10 in the NLD Vase Final on Saturday. Market Rasen & Louth face Scunthorpe in the Lincolnshire Cup Final, which will be played at Kesteven Rugby Club, on Monday May 7.