November 26, 2018 8.00 am This story is over 64 months old

Rugby Report: Defeat for first team, but thirds thrash Boston

Lincoln’s 1st XV travel to Southwell on Saturday
Luke Brodrick, pictured making a tackle, made his first team debut for Lincoln at the weekend, as did Kodi Strand. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Two Lincoln youngsters were given their first team debuts as Lincoln’s 1st XV bowed out of the RFU Intermediate Cup with a 36-7 defeat at Old Laurentians.

Luke Brodrick started on the wing for Lincoln and Kodi Strand came off the bench for his first 1st XV appearance, which bodes well for the future of the club.

Lincoln youngster George Pomfret running at the defence. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Lincoln went into the game missing some key players, but managed to hold their own and they were dominant in the scrum for much of the match.

However, the home side were very fast and clinical over the ball at the breakdown which ultimately proved decisive.

Grant Cowe runs powerfully at Old Laurentians’ defence during Saturday’s cup match. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Old Laurentians slotted over two penalties to take an early 6-0 lead before Lincoln came close to reducing the deficit, but the move was ended by an unfortunate knock-on from Mitch Ashworth.

The hosts added another penalty before crossing for an unconverted try to take a 14-0 lead going in at the break.

Lincoln lost Ashworth to the sin bin early in the second half and Old Laurentians took advantage by slotting over another penalty.

Matt Keeton, who was Lincoln’s try scorer at the weekend, running at the opposition defence. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

Lincoln reduced the deficit to 10 points after turning over a scrum inside the hosts’ 22. A great passage of play through the hands then set up forward Matt Keeton to go over for a try, which Richie Dixon converted.

The game could have gone either way at this point with around 20 minutes still left to play, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be for Lincoln as Old Laurentians added a further 19 points to secure their victory.

Tom Eggleston making a great tackle during Lincoln’s cup tie at Old Laurentians. Photo: Katie Nesbitt

After the match debutant Brodrick said: “It was a true honour to play for the first team and to play with the club’s best players.

“It was a massive learning curve for me and I will take it all on board to improve my game and will hopefully be playing as a first team player more.”

Lincoln’s 3rd XV in action against Boston. Photo: Kellie Pyart

Lincoln’s 3rd XV ran in 13 tries as they bounced back to winning ways in style with an emphatic 75-0 home victory against Boston’s second team.

Craig Richardson, James Howe, Josh Brown and Paul Swaby each crossed for two tries.

Paul Swaby, who scored two of Lincoln’s 13 tries, in action against Boston. Photo: Kellie Pyart

Chris Smith, Chris Barrett, Ian Dennant, Brad Nixon and Matt Eggleston also got their names on the scoresheet with a try apiece, with Rory McConnell and Nixon adding the conversions.

After the match 3rd XV captain Adam Kelleher said: “It was a really great performance from kick-off to the full-time whistle.

Lincoln and Boston contest a scrum during Saturday’s match. Photo: Adam Phillips

“We took the fight straight to Boston with the pack dominating the play, giving the backs time and space to play fast aggressive rugby. It really was a pleasure to watch.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV return to league action with a trip to Southwell on Saturday, while Lincoln Imps XV also face their Nottinghamshire counterparts. The 3rd XV host Cresswell Crusaders.

Rory McConnell preparing to take a conversion during Lincoln’s 75-0 win over Boston. Photo: Adam Phillips

OTHER RESULTS

Elsewhere in the county, Scunthorpe dropped one place to second after a narrow 24-20 defeat at Sheffield. Will Robinson and Ollie Cole crossed for the tries, with Paul Cook adding two conversions and two penalties.

Unavailability in the front row forced Market Rasen & Louth to concede their cup tie against Kenilworth. There was a similar situation for Bourne who had to cancel their cup tie away at St Neots due to having just one prop available.

North Hykeham’s try scorer Ryan Carr in action during their victory against Boston. Photo: Faye-Louise Doyle-Thomas

In Midlands Four East (North) North Hykeham claimed an 11-3 win at county rivals Boston in a league and cup double header.

Ryan Carr crossed for the visitors’ try, with Rob Booth adding two penalties.

Boston’s points came via a penalty from their man-of-the-match Lewis Weetch.

Boston’s man-of-the-match Lewis Weetch getting ready to try and stop North Hykeham’s Ryan Carr. Photo: David Dales

Grimsby ran league leaders East Retford close in a narrow 30-20 away defeat. Luke Thorton crossed for two of Grimsby’s tries, with Pete Shaw also getting his name on the scoresheet. Nathan Watson added a penalty and Luke Chaplin kicked one conversion.

Skegness claimed a 24-21 home victory over Ollerton, with their man-of-the-match, second row Danny Gill, crossing for two tries. Hooker Robin Lancaster also grabbed a try, with Ricky Bovey adding three conversions. Bovey sealed the victory with a match-winning penalty from 40 metres out.

Gainsborough picked up a superb result with a 34-31 victory away at Worksop. Damien Hart, Graeme Chappell, Brad Beresford, Will Clixby, Chris Mangan and Ben Bethell crossed for Gainsborough’s tries with Tom Mell adding two conversions.

Cleethorpes were awarded a home walkover after opponents Meden Vale cancelled the match.