Rugby Report: Ashworth double secures Lincoln victory

Mitch Ashworth crossed for two tries as Lincoln’s 1st XV bounced back to winning ways with a 24-22 victory over Loughborough on a wet and windy afternoon.

Loughborough opened the scoring when Jacob Abraham took advantage of a mistake to sprint clear for an interception try, which Tom Kirby converted.

Lincoln, who have won all their home games this season, levelled the score when Will Scammell caught Loughborough’s high kick deep inside his own half.

Scammell then dodged and weaved his way through the opposition defence for a great solo try, which Richie Dixon converted.

Abraham took advantage of a mistake to run in for his second try, which Kirby converted to give Loughborough a 14-7 half-time lead.

Lincoln’s Tongan forward Laguna Fisiihoi ran at the defence before offloading to set up a try for Laurence Few within three minutes of the restart. Dixon added the extras.

Quick thinking by Ashworth saw the scrum-half take a tap penalty and dart over for a try before Loughborough had time to react.

Greg Biddle went over for Loughborough’s third try to level the score before Kirby slotted over a penalty to edge the visitors in front.

Lincoln snatched victory late on when Ashworth powered over in the corner after continued attacking pressure by the hosts.

After the match Lincoln 1st XV captain Leigh Dearden said: “It was an ugly, but deserved, victory for Lincoln. On a brutal day weather wise, Lincoln turned up and beat their opposition essentially on grit and determination.”

Lincoln Imps XV and 3rd XV both saw their matches called off at the weekend.

Rose Buchanan crossed for the hosts only try as Lincoln Ladies narrowly lost 10-7 in their cup tie against county rivals Sleaford.

Jade Morgan, who was later forced off injured, got the ball out of the scrum before exchanging passes with Jodie Hill. Morgan then popped the ball out for Buchanan to dive over for a try, which Chapman converted.

Tries from Sam Olliver and Amy Woodhouse put Sleaford ahead, but Lincoln very nearly snatched it late on only for a late knock-on to end their cup hopes.

Lincoln’s teams now break for Christmas except for the festive inter club Boxing Day match. The regular fixtures resume for the four senior sides during the weekend of January 5-6.

OTHER RESULTS Elsewhere in the county, leaders Scunthorpe beat Burton 14-12 in the Midlands Premier thanks to tries from Dave Garbutt and Ben Hyde, which were both converted by Paul Cook.

Market Rasen & Louth remain second in Midlands Two East (North) after a 10-10 draw at Ilkeston. Tom Stephens scored Rasen’s try with Tom Alldridge adding a conversion and a penalty.

In Midlands Three East (South) bottom club Bourne were given a big boost with a 17-16 home win against Rushden & Higham. Adam Binns and Dave Maudsley grabbed a try apiece, with Sam Evison adding two conversions and a penalty. Second-placed Stamford won 24-5 at Biggleswade.

In Midlands Three East (North) a penalty try wasn’t enough to prevent Kesteven’s 31-7 home defeat against Nottingham Casuals. Kesteven’s second team lost 13-12 at Bingham. Sleaford’s trip to Bakewell was postponed due to a frozen pitch, while Spalding’s clash at Ashfield was also called off.

Boston claimed a 43-5 win over Amber Valley in Midlands Four East (North). Lewis Eldin crossed for two tries, with Luke Fowler, Alex Hough, George Sharp, Jaz Cowern and Matt Bray grabbing a try apiece.

Bray added four conversions and Tom Hobbs was voted man-of-the-match.

Ryan Carr, Gareth Alder-Woolf, Ben Thomas, Luke Barrett and Chris Kirkham crossed for tries, with the latter adding two conversions, as North Hykeham beat Gainsborough 29-7. Brad Beresford scored Gainsborough’s try, which was converted by Robbie Goodyear.

Winger Lawrence Gillen grabbed two tries as Cleethorpes claimed a 19-14 win at Ollerton. Young scrum-half Harry Lightfoot added three penalties. Sam Pearson and Ethan Fisher grabbed a try apiece, with Oliver Wardman kicking three penalties, as Cleethorpes’ second team lost 25-19 against Market Rasen & Louth’s 3rd XV.

Captain Matthew Deane grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Skegness beat Chesterfield Panthers 36-19. Rowan Mason crossed for two tries, with Skegness’ man-of-the-match Colin Haigh scoring one. Rikki Bovey kicked three conversions.

Grimsby suffered their first defeat of the month and conceded their first points in December after a 38-13 defeat at Mellish. Chris Moore crossed for Grimsby’s try with Luke Chaplin kicking the visitors remaining points.