December 21, 2021 8.31 am
This story is over 23 months old
Rugby Report: Wins for Gainsborough’s Men’s 1st XV and Scunthorpe Women
However, a lot of games were postponed due to COVID
Gainsborough's Brad Beresford prepares to pass (left), while Cassie Milestone is on the floor presenting the ball for Scunthorpe Women (right). | Photo: Cameron O'Brien\Debz Thompson
Gainsborough’s Men’s 1st XV and Scunthorpe Women were the two winning sides in the county on a weekend that saw a high number of matches called off due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gainsborough ended 2021 at the top of the table in Midlands Four East (North) after a 66-5 victory at home against bottom club Worksop.
Kieron Smythe, who played full-back, grabbed four tries for the hosts and Brad Beresford crossed for two.
Gainsborough were delighted after their victory. Left to right – Brad Beresford, Cameron O’Brien, James Rose, captain Ben Watson, Kieron Smythe, Tudor Roberts, and Tom Mell. | Photo: Fiona O’Brien
Gainsborough’s Brad Beresford running through the Worksop defence. | Photo: Cameron O’Brien
Cameron O’Brien, James Rose, Tom Mell, and Daniel Chadwick each scored one try for Gainsborough.
Tudor Roberts kicked eight conversions to complete a fine afternoon for Gainsborough.
Gainsborough preparing to contest a scrum against Worksop. | Photo: Cameron O’Brien
Scunthorpe Women after their 21-10 victory against Sandal. | Photo: Debz Thompson
The weekend’s other winners in the county were Scunthorpe Women as Jazz Clark’s two tries helped them to a 21-10 home victory against Sandal in Women’s NC 2 North (East).
Sandal had lost just one league match prior to facing the North Lincolnshire side, but Scunthorpe made sure they had a difficult day at Heslam Park.
Scunthorpe’s Jazz Clark successfully kicked two conversions against Sandal. | Photo: Maria Rhoades
Jorja Lyons, Beth Parsons and Cassie Milestone all won post-match awards against Sandal. | Photo: Debz Thompson
Full-back Jazz Clark kicked two conversions to add to her tries, while fly-half Cassie Milestone scored a try under the posts, which she also converted, after a great run through the defence.
The result means Scunthorpe are undefeated in five league matches, much to the delight of captain Becky Clark.
Scunthorpe Women’s captain Becky Clark in action against Sandal. | Photo: Bill Rhoades
Jacob Hardy leaping to win a lineout for Scunthorpe against Burton. | Photo: Mick Haynes
Scunthorpe’s men’s 1st XV were also in action at the weekend as their Midlands Premier clash ended in a 17-17 draw away against Burton.
Ollie Cole and Jack Brunt both scored tries for the visitors, while Tom Alldridge kicked two conversions and one penalty for Tim Robinson’s side.
Scunthorpe’s Grant Elliott determined to make the tackle against Burton. | Photo: Mick Haynes
Scunthorpe are in the top half of the table in sixth position after nine wins, including eight in a row, from their opening 14 league matches.
Tom Alldridge kicked two conversions and a penalty in Scunthorpe’s draw against Burton. | Photo: Mick Haynes
Toby Anderson scored a try and two conversions during Stamford’s match against Leicester Forest. | Photo: Darren Dolby
In Midlands Two East (South), Stamford finished the year fourth in the table after a 27-14 home defeat against Leicester Forest.
Gareth Ramsden and Toby Anderson scored Stamford’s tries, with the latter adding two conversions.
Despite the result, Stamford can remain proud of their first half of the season which ended with six wins from their opening 11 league matches.
Gareth Ramsden crossing for a try for the second game in a row. | Photo: Darren Dolby
A great day was had by all at Skegness Rugby Club’s traditional President’s Day.
Skegness Rugby Club held their traditional President’s Day on Sunday.
A President’s XV played against a Captain’s XV, with the latter winning 41-0. Matt Parvin was named as man-of-the-match for the Captain’s XV , while Alan Machin was voted as the best player for the President’s XV.
The match also saw the unveiling of a stand named after Skegness rugby stalwart Andy Hill, who is the club’s secretary and was playing in his last game.
Meanwhile, due to the coronavirus pandemic the following 1st XV matches involving sides from the county were postponed:
Loughborough Vs Lincoln
Market Rasen & Louth Vs Ilkeston
Grimsby Vs Boston
Kesteven Vs Birstall
Stewarts & Lloyds Vs Bourne
Spalding Vs Daventry
Sleaford Vs North Hykeham
Stamford College Old Boys Vs Bedford Swifts
Northampton BBOB Vs Deepings
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: