Rugby Report: Four try Keegan secures Lincoln cup win

Mike Keegan crossed for four tries as Lincoln’s 1st XV progressed through to the next round of the RFU Intermediate Cup with a 38-29 win at Oakham.

Zeph Chapman and Laurence Few also got their names on the scoresheet for Lincoln, while James Kirk added four conversions.

Lincoln opened the scoring when Keegan caught a high ball before sprinting beyond the winger and full-back for a try, which Kirk converted.

Mitch Ashworth was tackled just short after a quick tap penalty before Richie Dixon offloaded for Few to score a try to increase Lincoln’s lead, but Oakham responded with three unanswered tries to take a 17-12 lead in at the break.

Lincoln coach Ross Tarnowski watching on from the sidelines during his side’s cup clash away at Oakham. Photo: Chris Barrett

Oakham extended their led with an unconverted try before Keegan ran in for two great tries to complete his hat-trick, with Kirk converting both to swing score back in Lincoln’s favour.

Lincoln extended their lead after a break by Few set up Chapman, who picked up the ball from a ruck and dummied it before going over for a try under the posts, which Kirk converted.

Oakham cut the gap to just four points with a converted try, but Lincoln made sure of the win when another great break by Josh Pratt saw him draw in the full-back before releasing Keegan to sprint clear for a try.

Lincoln coach Ross Tarnowski talking to his players during his side’s cup clash away at Oakham. Photo: Chris Barrett

After the match Lincoln coach Ross Tarnowski said: “It was a dogged first-half performance against a 40mph wind blowing straight down the pitch.

“At half-time we were 17-12 down and showed great resolve to get back into the game.

“The penalty count was far too high throughout the game and ill-discipline with two yellow cards meant we had to dig deep to earn the win in the second half.”

Try hero Keegan added: “There is plenty room for improvement in terms of penalties, but all in all it was a great show of character and we showed some clinical game plays to come back from losing in the first half.”

Harry Clark’s try was about as good as it got for Lincoln Imps XV as they had a day to forget after a 102-5 home defeat against West Bridgford.

Lincoln Imps XV captain James Johnson said: “It was one of those games that we need to quickly forget. From the first minute to the last we were not good enough.”

Brothers Luke and Alex Brodrick both crossed for tries as Lincoln’s 3rd XV won 55-17 at Gainsborough. Photo: Ady Brodrick

Brothers Luke and Alex Brodrick both crossed for tries in the latter’s first senior game of rugby as Lincoln’s 3rd XV claimed an emphatic 55-17 victory at Gainsborough.

Craig Richardson went over for two tries, while Daryl Wright, Matt Eggleston, Rory McConnell, Henry Matthews and Lee Wheeler also got their names on the scoresheet. McConnell added two conversions, with Luke Brodrick successfully kicking three.

After the match 3rd XV full-back Brian Kelly said: “The first half against Gainsborough was as well as Lincoln thirds have played in the last two seasons. Backs and forwards interchanging well and a first half defensive effort that was excellent.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV return to league action with a trip to Ashbourne on Saturday, while the 3rd XV are set to face Paviors. Lincoln Ladies travel to play Sleaford on Sunday.

OTHER RESULTS Market Rasen & Louth, who travel to face Matlock in the league this weekend, had a home walkover in the RFU Senior Cup after Vipers from Leicester conceded the tie.

Sleaford came unstuck in their NLD Cup tie against county rivals Spalding, which ended in 53-0 defeat.

Steve Parker, Si Williams and Rob Booth crossed for tries, with the latter adding two conversions, as North Hykeham beat Barton-Under-Needwood 19-17 in round two of the RFU Junior Vase.