October 8, 2018 8.17 am This story is over 65 months old

Rugby Report: Dominant win for Lincoln over former leaders Newark

The first team switch to cup action
Josh Pratt making a great tackle during Lincoln's 39-8 league victory over Newark. Photo: Mike Lincoln

James Kirk crossed for two tries and kicked 14 points as Lincoln’s 1st XV claimed back-to-back home wins with a 39-8 thrashing of former league leaders Newark.

The fly-half ran through the defence and shrugged off an attempted tackle to go over for the opening try, which he also converted.

An excellent tackle by Jake Keeton and John Aboitiz halted a Newark break before the visitors reduced the deficit through Sam Booth’s penalty.

Will Scammell reacted quickest to pick up a loose ball and run in for a try to extend Lincoln’s lead.

Aboitiz powered over for a try, which Kirk converted to give Lincoln a 19-3 half-time lead.

James Kirk kicked 14 points and scored two tries during Lincoln’s win over Newark. Photo: Mike Lincoln

Kirk converted a penalty from distance as Lincoln moved further ahead within five minutes of the restart.

Newark reduced the deficit as Lewis Himsworth went over for an unconverted try from a driving lineout.

Lincoln increased their lead on the hour mark as Kirk superbly span past his man as he caught the ball before powering through several attempted tackles to score a try, which he also converted.

Mike Keegan scoring a try during Lincoln’s win over Newark. Photo: Mike Lincoln

Kirk slotted over a penalty before Mike Keegan stepped his man and sprinted 30 yards through the defence for Lincoln’s fifth and final try. Kirk added the extras.

Lincoln nearly added another when more good work by David Beveridge, who put in a superb performance, set up Sam Cowles, but his fellow prop was tackled just short of the try line.

Prop David Beveridge was one of Lincoln’s star performers in their victory over Newark. Photo: Mike Lincoln

After the match Lincoln coach Ross Tarnowski said: “From the first minute our structure and system were in place so we hit the ground running to disrupt them early on and that set the platform for the first half.

“In the second half we dominated the match playing the best rugby I’ve seen all season and that was largely down to a team performance, playing heads up rugby within a structured framework.”

Zeph Chapman crossing for a try during Lincoln Imp XV’s defeat at Newark. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Zeph Chapman stepped a number of defenders before going over for a great try, which he also converted, but it was not enough to prevent Lincoln Imps XV from falling to a 27-7 defeat at Newark.

Lincoln Imps XV captain James Johnson said: “In the first half we made too many mistakes and too many handling errors.

Lincoln Imps XV captain James Johnson. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

“In the second half we started to get a bit more possession and started to play as a team.”

Lincoln’s 3rd XV travelled to Mansfield despite a player shortage, but it was not possible to do a full match so a friendly was played instead.

Jim Calveley came out of retirement to feature for Lincoln Imps XV in their match at Newark. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Harriet Fluck and Lara Smith crossed for tries, with Helen Francis adding one conversion, as Lincoln Ladies put in an improved stronger performance in a 31-12 defeat at Mellsh.

After the match head coach Brian Kelly said: “The scoreline doesn’t do justice to the effort they put in.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV travel to face Oakham in the RFU Intermediate Cup on Saturday. Lincoln Imps XV will play West Bridgford in their first home game of the season, while the 3rd XV face Gainsborough.

Harry Clark in action for Lincoln Imps XV against Newark. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

OTHER RESULTS Elsewhere in the county, Scunthorpe’s unbeaten start to the season was ended by a 36-7 defeat at Luctonians in a game which saw them receive a red card. Grant Elliott scored their only try, which Josh Bird converted.

Unbeaten Market Rasen & Louth are the new leaders of Midlands Two East (North) after a 29-3 victory over Southwell. Tom Stephens crossed for two tries, with George Grant, Matt Ashton and James McKay also getting their names on the scoresheet, with Tom Alldridge adding two conversions.

In Midlands Three East (South) Bourne suffered a 27-11 home defeat by Birstall, while Stamford lost 19-10 at Dunstablians. In Midlands Three East (North) Kesteven beat county rivals Spalding 17-15. Sleaford lost 23-8 at Mansfield, with their points coming from a Dave Davies try and Tom Wormington’s penalty.

In Midlands Four East (North) league leaders Cleethorpes continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 43-7 win over Chesterfield Panthers. Second-placed North Hykeham also remain unbeaten after three penalties from Chris Kirkham gave them a 9-3 win over Worksop.

Grimsby beat Skegness 45-5, while Gainsborough claimed a 31-15 home win over Amber Valley. Boston lost 49-8 at East Retford.