Rugby Report: Wilson double moves Lincoln’s 1st XV out of relegation zone

Captain Lewis Wilson crossed for two tries as Lincoln’s 1st XV moved out of the relegation zone with a 24-14 home victory against Ashbourne.

Forward duo Jim Calveley and Ben Sykes also scored tries to secure a third successive league victory for the hosts and Richie Dixon successfully kicked two conversions.

Lincoln’s final try was the pick of the scores as Ollie Halligan made a superb break through the Ashbourne defence before offloading for Wilson to power through several tackles and dive over for a try.

The result saw Lincoln move three points clear of safety and avenge November’s 27-10 defeat in Derbyshire.

It also dragged Ashbourne into the relegation battle, who are now only one point above Lincoln.

Scrum-half Jade Morgan produced her best performance of the season as Lincoln Ladies made it three wins in a row with a 27-0 victory against Kesteven.

Morgan crossed for two tries and Bob Chapman, Ruth Denham and Lynne Brooker-Brown each scored one, with the latter also adding one conversion.

Kesteven lost two players to injury in the first half, including young centre Lydia Turnbull to a broken leg.

The injury caused the game to be delayed, but when it resumed Kesteven showed great determination.

Millie Warren, Jess Taylor, Zoe Osborn and Megan Alderton were among the strongest performers for Kesteven. Harriet Fluck made numerous crucial tackles and was named as Lincoln’s back of the match, with April Gott picking up the best forward accolade.

Kodi Strand crossed for the host’s only try of the match as Lincoln Imps X secured a battling 8-8 draw at home against Keyworth.

A good backs move put Strand over for a try in the corner after just 10 minutes before captain Luke Brodrick slotted over a penalty to give them an 8-0 half-time lead.

Keyworth levelled the score with an unconverted try and a penalty, but Lincoln very nearly snatched victory at the death.

George Pomfret was held up over the try line before Brodrick’s penalty sailed just off target for Lincoln, who travel to face Derby in a cup final on Saturday.

Ben Manderfield and Josh Wade scored two tries apiece as Lincoln Colts (Greens) won 36-12 at Newark.

Ollie Keen and Henry McCartney also scored tries, with William Dark adding three conversions.

Lincoln Colts (Reds) lost 19-15 at home against Sleaford with their tries coming from Kaie Turner, Harry Whittaker and Eren Hamilton.

Other Results

In National League Two (North), Josh Lugsden scored the host’s only try of the match, which was converted by Will Robinson, as Scunthorpe lost 54-7 against Loughborough Students.

In Midlands Two East (North), George Grant and Ben Young crossed for two tries apiece as Market Rasen & Louth beat Nottingham Casuals 43-7.

Will Pridgeon, Chris Everton and Matt Ashton also scored tries for the hosts, with Spen Holvey kicking three conversions. Josh White added one conversion.

Stamford are top of the league in Midlands Three East (South) after a 34-21 victory at Bedford Queens.

Rees Burns and Toby Anderson both crossed for two tries for the visitors, with Jack Jones and Gareth Ramsden each scoring one. Ollie Johnson kicked two conversions.

Ash Anker, Gav Sharman and Willis Ingleby all scored tries, with Conall Mason adding one conversion, as Spalding drew 17-17 at Rushden & Higham.

In Midlands Three East (North), Lewis Rothenburg scored an impressive four tries as Grimsby won 35-28 away against Belper.

John Mansfield also scored a try for the visitors and Brad Treacher successfully kicked all five conversions.

James Goodrich, Aaron Whittaker and Ollie Lowe all scored tries as Kesteven lost 32-17 at league leaders Southwell. Whittaker also kicked one conversion.

In Midlands Four East (North), Alex Nabais and Harrison Barrel scored the tries as third-placed Cleethorpes won 15-3 at Meden Vale.

Harry Lightfoot kicked one conversion and a penalty for the visitors.

Max Batchelor crossed for a hat-trick of tries as fourth-placed Sleaford beat Worksop 55-12.

Dan Mackie grabbed two tries and four conversions for the hosts. Shaun Fisher, Adam Loveday, Dave Titmus and Wayne Harley each scored one try, with the latter adding one conversion.

Boston remain top of the league after being awarded an away walkover against Nottinghamians.

East Retford are just six points behind in second place after their 26-7 victory against Gainsborough.

Brad Beresford scored Gainsborough’s only try, which was converted by Robbie Goodyear.

North Hykeham were hit by a last minute try in their 25-20 home defeat against Chesterfield Panthers.

Captain Ross O’Loughlin, Mike Wainwright and Danny Brown scored Hykeham’s tries, with Josh Dandy adding one conversion and a penalty to give Hykeham a 20-18 lead.

Chesterfield scored a converted try late on from a five metre scrum to snatch the victory.

Skegness lost 28-0 at home against Tupton.

Women’s Rugby

In the Women’s NC 2 North (East), tries from Kirsty Hewitt and Charlotte Daubney guided Boston Ladies to a 15-12 home victory against Hull Ionian Ladies.

Captain Hannah Booth kicked one conversion and a penalty for Boston, who spent 20 minutes defending inside their own 22 before a great response secured the win.

Sleaford Ladies showed great teamwork in defence and fantastic support play despite the result in a 31-0 defeat against unbeaten league leaders Driffield.

The Sleaford players never let their heads drop in what was a positive atmosphere on the pitch.