Rugby Report: Lincoln men’s first team defeated, but Ladies win

Brandon Hogan made a try scoring return for Lincoln’s 1st XV who dominated for large spells, but unfortunately fell to a narrow 15-5 defeat at Ashbourne.

Lincoln enjoyed a lot of possession in the first half and Jack Miles came off the bench to make his 1st XV debut and the youngster put in an excellent performance.

George Pomfret leaps to win a lineout for Lincoln. Photo: Ben Sykes

The visitors went close through Joe Moore, George Pomfret and Josh Pratt, but they were made to pay for missed chances as tries from Jason Ainsworth and Ollie Ruddock gave Ashbourne a 10-0 half-time lead.

Lincoln tried to get back in the game with Mitch Ashworth, Grant Cowe and captain Leigh Dearden all going close before Hogan went over for a try in the corner to reduce the deficit to just five points.

Brandon Hogan scoring a try for Lincoln’s 1st XV against Ashbourne. Photo: Ben Sykes

Lincoln lost Dearden to the sin bin and Ashbourne took advantage of the extra man as Mark Broom went over for a try near the corner.

The visitors tried to turn the game around as Cowe powered through two tackles, but the ball was lost near the try line and Ashbourne held on for victory.

Lincoln’s 1st XV players showing great team unity despite the defeat on Saturday. Photo: Ben Sykes

After the match captain Dearden said: “There was more than sufficient talent and effort to win the game. We had the most possession, but found ourselves lacking in execution.

“In future games I’d like to see a more business-like approach from the lads with more phases instead of trying to achieve scores through loose handling and loose play.”

Lincoln’s Mitch Ashworth putting the ball in the scrum. Photo: Ben Sykes

Lincoln Ladies were in celebratory mood after their victory at Sleaford.

Clare Brown crossed for four tries as Lincoln Ladies won 34-15 at county rivals Sleaford.

Lucy Prescott and Bob Chapman also grabbed a try apiece, with Helen Francis adding two conversions in what was a great performance by Lincoln.

After the match Lincoln Ladies coach Brian Kelly said: “The ladies showed what they are capable of against Sleaford. Their work at the breakdown by both forwards and backs was at times excellent.

“Everyone worked really hard for each other and it could be seen all the way through the game.”

Clare Brown celebrating one of her four tries during Lincoln Ladies’ win at Sleaford.

Helen Francis preparing for a conversion during Lincoln Ladies’ victory at Sleaford.

Lincoln’s 1st XV will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they host Ashby on Saturday.

Lincoln Imps XV face a trip to Sleaford, while the third team host Nottingham Corsairs after seeing their match at Paviors called off by the opposition last time out. Lincoln Ladies travel to face Dudley in a cup game on Sunday.

Lincoln’s James Kirk played on the international stage for Malta at the weekend and here he is in action against Israel. Photo: Damian Neil

Lincoln fly-half James Kirk was on international duty at the weekend as his 11-point haul helped Malta to a 21-14 victory over Israel. It was Malta’s first game in the European Nations Conference South and Kirk’s side host Bosnia on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Rugby Club, which is based on Lodge Lane in Nettleham, will be hosting its annual firework display on Friday, November 2 from 6pm.

Lincoln’s Mitch Ashworth offloading to a teammate. Photo: Ben Sykes

OTHER RESULTS Elsewhere in the county, Scunthorpe leapfrogged their opponents Newport (Salop) into top spot with a 25-19 home victory. Paul Cook grabbed two tries, two conversions and two penalties, while Nick Dyson also crossed for a try.

In Midlands Two East (North) Market Rasen & Louth lost for the first time in the league this season after a 27-26 defeat at Matlock. Josh White, Nick Harvey, Brad Beresford and Spen Holvey grabbed Rasen’s tries, with the latter adding three conversions.

In Midlands Three East (South) Stamford lost 23-17 at home against Leicester Forest, while Bourne lost 25-10 at Stockwood Park.

In Midlands Three East (North) Spalding beat Mansfield 29-5, but Sleaford lost 38-12 against Nottingham Casuals. Kesteven suffered a narrow 26-17 defeat at Ashfield, with Gav Purvis, Harry Cox and Adam Cox grabbing the tries for the Lincolnshire side and Ben Whinney adding a conversion.

Cleethorpes are top of the table in Midlands Four East (North) after winning 43-21 away at Worksop for a seventh successive victory. Unbeaten North Hykeham have also won all their league games so far as they claimed a 45-0 victory at Nottinghamians. Richard Bevan crossed for two tries, with George Cope, Nath Barker, Rob Booth, Mike Wainwright and Luke Barrett adding one apiece and Chris Kirkham slotted over five conversions.

Grimsby claimed a 49-8 away victory at Amber Valley thanks to tries from Lewis Newsum, Jordan Carr, Luke Chaplin, Tom Roberts, Tom Bright, Dough Clough and Baden Kerr.

Skegness drew 24-24 against Meden Vale, while Boston were given a home walkover against Gainsborough.