Rugby Report: Big win for Lincoln Imps XV

Josh Pratt crossed for four tries as Lincoln Imps XV thrashed Long Eaton 54-0.

Lincoln opened the scoring after just five minutes when Zeph Chapman’s clever offload set up Pratt for a try, which Brad Nixon converted.

Nixon slotted over two penalties before converting Pratt’s second try to give Lincoln a 20-0 half-time lead.

Lincoln increased their lead when Chapman picked up the ball from the base of the ruck and sniped through a gap for a try.

Kodi Strand crossed for a try before Pratt ran round the full-back to complete his hat-trick.

Joe Czajkowski went over for Lincoln’s next try before Nixon made a great interception on halfway to set up Pratt’s fourth score, which prop Aiden Mason converted.

Lincoln completed a great afternoon when Chapman dived under the defender for a try, which Mason converted.

After the match Lincoln Imps XV captain James Johnson said: “Apart from a 10 minute spell at the end of the first half we were in complete control of the game. We played a well-structured game and were clinical when we had the ball.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV lost 45-7 at Long Eaton with their only try coming from captain Leigh Dearden, which Will Scammell converted.

Dearden said: “Mistakes were made and decision making was poor at times, but it fits to serve a purpose as all players saw we are not at the level that we strive to be at.”

Tries from Luke Brodrick and Rory McConnell helped Lincoln’s 3rd XV to a 10-10 draw against East Retford.

Stand-in captain Darren Tinsley said: “Discipline was the key word. When we played our normal game there was some fantastic rugby, but penalties and bickering let us down. Overall 10-10 was a fair result.”

Lincoln Ladies made a blistering start at Scunthorpe with tries from Bob Chapman, Clare Brown and Kellie Pyart giving them a 24-7 half-time lead.

However, Lincoln fell to an agonising 26-24 defeat after three second-half tries from Scunthorpe.

Coach Brian Kelly said: “They were fantastic in defence and showed some excellent touches in attack in the first half.

“Unfortunately the second half was the polar opposite, and tiredness from their effort of the first half obviously played a part.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV and Imps XV host Loughborough and Skegness respectively on Saturday. The 3rd XV face Keyworth on Saturday, while Lincoln Ladies play Sleaford in a cup tie on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Cartwright Bros and Branston Ltd had one of their new trailers kitted out with photos of Lincoln’s mini and junior players.

The trailer will be on the roads of Lincolnshire spreading the word that Lincoln welcomes all ages to come and play from under six through to seniors, boys and girls.

OTHER RESULTS Elsewhere in the county,  Ben Hyde’s try helped leaders Scunthorpe draw 21-21 at second-placed Bridgnorth in the Midlands Premier. A penalty try was also awarded, with Paul Cook kicking three penalties.

Will Pridgeon’s try, converted by Tom Alldridge, couldn’t prevent Market Rasen & Louth’s 8-7 defeat against Dronfield in Midlands Two East (North).

In Midlands Three East (South) Stamford beat Stockwood Park 36-19. Bourne lost 50-11 at Bedford Queens with their points coming from Rob Bentley’s try and two Sam Evison penalties.

In Midlands Three East (North) Sleaford lost 25-17 against Ashfield. John Spencer and Daniel Mackie crossed for Sleaford’s tries, with the latter adding two conversions and a penalty. Sam Olliver scored the visitors’ only try as Sleaford Ladies lost 59-5 at Coalville.

Mansfield and Spalding were given home walkovers against Kesteven and Tupton respectively.

Second faced third in Midlands Four East (North) as Cleethorpes ran out 36-3 winners against North Hykeham thanks to two tries apiece from Lawrence Gillen and Phill Stark.

Joe Barker and Isaac McHon each scored one, with Harry Lightfoot kicking three conversions. North Hykeham’s points came via a Rob Booth penalty.

Lewis Cartwright grabbed a hat-trick as Grimsby won 22-0 at Worksop. John Mansfield also got a try, with Luke Chaplin kicking one conversion.

Man-of-the-match Lewis Eldin, Paul Beard and Charles Hughes crossed for tries as Boston beat Ollerton 20-12. Matt Bray kicked one conversion and a penalty.

Skegness were also victorious with Dean Drain’s try securing a 5-0 win at Amber Valley.

Tries from Damien Hart and Andre Russell couldn’t prevent Gainsborough’s 27-12 defeat against Meden Vale.