Rugby Report: Lincoln Imps XV stay top, but first team lose

Grant Laws crossed for two tries as Lincoln Imps XV won 19-15 at Keyworth to stay top of the Security Plus Pennant Group 2S league table.

Lincoln opened the scoring when Laws ran through two tackles to go over for a try, which captain Luke Brodrick converted.

The visitors increased their lead when Michael Baker kicked the ball along the floor to the five metre line.

Keyworth recovered the ball, but were penalised for not releasing. Lincoln took a quick tap penalty and Laws went over for his seventh try in four games.

Keyworth slotted over a penalty to reduce the deficit to 12-3 going in at the break.

The hosts crossed for two tries, and kicked one conversion, in the second half to snatch the lead away from Lincoln.

Lincoln showed great team spirit and a sheer determination to win as Baker ran down the wing, before being tackled on the opposition’s five metre line.

Quick ball through the hands then set up Jack Miles, who ran through a staggered defence and beyond Keyworth’s winger for a try. Brodrick added the extras.

Keyworth piled on the pressure late on but Lincoln, who will host Southwell in the NLD 2nd XV Cup semi-final this Saturday, held on for victory.

Lincoln’s 1st XV battled bravely before succumbing to a 47-7 loss at league leaders Coalville.

Dan Hill was voted as the visitors’ man-of-the-match and several ball steals by scrum-half Zeph Chapman kept the score down, but overall it was a disappointing afternoon for Lincoln.

Coalville crossed for three first half tries, with turnovers at the breakdown by Lincoln preventing a higher scoreline.

Coalville increased their lead with three converted tries after the restart, but Lincoln showed great guts and plenty endeavour to reduce the deficit.

A mistimed drive in a scrum allowed Lincoln to tap and go near the try line, but the ball was held up over the line.

From the subsequent scrum, hard work by Richie Dixon set up a try for Ben Sykes. Dixon slotted over the conversion

With the final play of the game, Coalville took a tap penalty and broke through the defence for a try.

Other Results

In National Two (North), Scunthorpe suffered a 40-8 home defeat against Luctonians.

Jack Scorer crossed for Scunthorpe’s only try and Paul Cook kicked a penalty.

In Midlands Two East (North), Market & Rasen and Louth secured an 18-13 win at Newark thanks to tries from Matt Ashton and Tom Stephens. Tom Alldridge added two penalties and a conversion.

Stamford moved up into top spot in Midlands Three East (South) after a 50-0 win over St Neots.

Harry Ayton crossed for a hat-trick of tries and Tom Wire grabbed a brace. Daniel Griffin, Sam Hillary and captain Robbie Smith each scored one, with Ollie Johnson kicking five conversions.

Ash Anker crossed for a try with the last play of the game as Spalding won 24-20 at former leaders Stockwood Park, who dropped to second.

Captain Daniel Adams, Willis Ingleby and Harry Sharman also scored tries for Spalding, with Conall Mason kicking two conversions.

Bourne remain third after a 42-26 home win against Rushden & Higham.

Jack Berry and Adam Binns grabbed two tries apiece for Bourne. Captain Tom Dixon and JJ Roberts each scored one, with Sam Evison kicking three conversions and two penalties.

In Midlands Three East (North), Grimsby remain second after a 15-0 home defeat in the top-of-the-table clash against Buxton.

Lewis Newsum, Lewis Rothenburg and Tom Roberts all produced some great ball carries for Grimsby.

Will Wood crossed for two tries as Kesteven were narrowly defeated 24-22 against Belper.

Dan Turner scored Kesteven’s other try and Aaron Whittaker kicked two conversions and a penalty.

In Midlands Four East (North), Skegness were in jubilant mood after tries from Chris Wheeler, Liam Barnard and Glenn Stewart helped them to their first win of the season.

Connor Mawer kicked one conversion and Barnard added a penalty in Skegness’ 20-13 home victory over Amber Valley.

Matthew Deane crossed for two tries as leaders Boston made it 10 wins from 10 league games with a 36-11 victory at Ollerton.

William Scupham, Rowan Mason and Sam Gray also scored tries, with Matt Bray kicking four conversions and one penalty.

Andy Carruthers and Lloyd Jones crossed for two tries apiece as Cleethorpes won 43-10 away against North Hykeham.

Jake Edwards and Alex Nabais also scored tries for Cleethorpes, with Harry Lightfoot kicking the remaining points for the visitors.

North Hykeham’s man-of-the-match Sam Cooke scored their only try and Rob Booth kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Curtis Key grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Sleaford claimed a 32-10 home win against Tupton.

Adam Loveday also scored a try for Sleaford, with Wayne Harley kicking three conversions and two penalties.

Brad Beresford’s hat-trick helped Gainsborough to a 41-13 victory over Worksop.

Ben Bethall, Richard Greenway and Tom Mell also scored tries, with Robbie Goodyear adding four conversions and a penalty.