Rugby Report: Lincoln first team win on the road

Richie Dixon kicked eight points as Lincoln men’s 1st XV edged past Southwell 13-7 for their first away league victory of the season.

Lincoln went close early on when David Beveridge’s long pass found Jake Keeton, but the young winger was tackled just short of the try line.

The deadlock was finally broken after 18 minutes when Dixon slotted over a penalty.

Lincoln increased their lead as Keeton crossed for their only try of the match after 29 minutes. Captain Leigh Dearden offloaded to Tom Challis, who impressed on his debut and made great yards as he sprinted to halfway before passing to Keeton.

Keeton’s kick over the top then bounced back into his hands before he stepped past a player and ran in for a try, which Dixon converted to give Lincoln a 10-0 half-time lead.

Southwell reduced the deficit through Jack Skill’s try, which James Barker converted to cut the gap to just three points.

Dixon slotted over his second penalty of the match to secure victory for Lincoln before Southwell saw a player sent off late on for two yellow cards in quick succession, both for dissent.

After the match captain Dearden said: “Overall I am happy. It wasn’t pretty and our execution was lacking at times.

“The thing I’m happy to take from it is that, when quality fails us a little, we’re still able to close out a game on the grit and physicality. It remains a proud day to be skipper of Lincoln.”

Lincoln Imps XV had a weekend to forget as they lost 34-0 at Southwell’s second team.

Lincoln’s 3rd XV conceded their match at Cresswell Crusaders due to lack of availability. A battling, but reduced, third team still travelled with seven players to play a friendly (Darren Rorie, Tony Clayton, James Radcliffe, Seeven Durasamy, Luke and Alex Brodrick and captain Adam Kelleher).

After being given four players by the opposition the two sides played out a thrilling game, which ended 44-31 in favour of Cresswell Crusaders. Luke Brodrick and Kelleher were among Lincoln’s try scorers.

After the match captain Kelleher said: “It was a really good performance with some good all round play and excellent solo and team tries. I am looking forward to the return fixture.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV and Imps XV both travel to face Long Eaton on Saturday, while the third team host East Retford. Lincoln Ladies return to league action at Scunthorpe on Sunday.

Twenty players from Lincoln Rugby Club raised £2,514 for Movember with some fantashtic efforts and there is still time to donate here.

OTHER RESULTS Elsewhere in the county, Scunthorpe returned to the top of the table with a 34-12 victory over Bournville thanks to two tries from Will Harrison. Sam Morgan, Tom Hughes and Paul Cook grabbed a try apiece, with the latter also kicking three conversions and a penalty.

Market Rasen & Louth suffered a 27-10 defeat away at Ashby, with their tries coming from Eddie Nichols and captain Ben Chamberlin.

In Midlands Three East (South) Stamford claimed a 27-7 home victory over St Neots. Bourne lost 27-11 at home against league leaders Northampton Casuals, with the Lincolnshire side’s points coming via Adam Binns’ try and two penalties from Sam Evison.

In Midlands Three East (North) Harvey Fuller crossed for two tries as Kesteven claimed a 23-15 win at Tupton. Dan Turner also grabbed a try, with Ben Whinney adding a conversion and two penalties. Sleaford lost 22-7 at county rivals Spalding after a battling performance, with their points coming from a Shaun Fisher try, which was converted by Tom Wormington.

Sleaford Ladies claimed their first league win of the season with a 37-24 victory over Sileby Vikings. Sam Olliver crossed for two tries, with Karolina Kacirkova, Hannah Booth, Sarah Taylor, Jo Parkes and Sarah McConchie each scoring one. Olliver added one conversion.

In Midlands Four East (North) North Hykeham beat Chesterfield Panthers 25-17 with tries from Richard Bevan, Rob Booth and a penalty try for Ross O’Loughlin. Chris Kirkham added a conversion and two penalties.

Jaz Cowern crossed for five tries as Boston claimed a thumping 66-3 away win at Nottinghamians. Luke Fowler grabbed two tries and Steve Kippax, Dan Piggins and Charles Hughes also got their names on the scoresheet. Matt Bray added eight conversions.

Grimsby beat county rivals Gainsborough 45-0 including tries from Pete Shaw and Jon Mansfield.

Skegness beat Worksop 21-15 – captain Matthew Deane, Carlos Reyes and Rikki Bovey crossed for a try apiece with the latter converting all three.

Cleethorpes suffered a narrow 25-19 defeat at Mellish. Captain Dan McDaid and Adam Beeken scored the Lincolnshire side’s tries, with Joe Barker kicking three penalties.