April 9, 2018 8.25 am This story is over 71 months old

Rugby report: Kirk double inspires Lincoln’s men’s first team to victory

A round-up of this weekend’s rugby action.
Lincoln wore new commemorative socks in tribute to Mike Beard, who sadly died in 2015, and they got the victory their former player would have been proud of. Photo: Simon Green

James Kirk crossed for two tries as Lincoln’s 1st XV completed a league double over Ilkeston with a 24-14 home victory.

Joe Moore grabbed Lincoln’s other try with Kirk adding three conversions and a penalty.

The hosts took the lead after 12 minutes when Kirk ran through the defence and span past his man for a try, which he also converted.

James Kirk’s two tries helped Lincoln to victory against Ilkeston. Photo: Mike Lincoln/Linxpix

Tries from Harry Walton and Jake Lamb put Ilkeston 14-7 in front at half-time, with the latter converting both.

Lincoln lost Leigh Dearden to the sin bin within five minutes of the restart and only a great tackle from stand-in captain Jack Kinsey stopped Ilkeston from scoring soon after.

Lincoln levelled after 49 minutes when man-of-the-match Grant Cowe caught a high kick and powered through the opposition defence before offloading for Moore to run in for a try, which Kirk converted.

Ilkeston lost a player to the sin bin on the hour mark and Lincoln capitalised as Kinsey’s perfectly-timed pass set up Kirk to run in for a try.

Kirk added the conversion and a late penalty to secure the victory while Lincoln also held off a late barrage of attacks from Ilkeston.

Lincoln’s stand-in captain Jack Kinsey in action against Ilkeston. Photo: Mike Lincoln/Linxpix

Kinsey said: “We managed to turn it around in the second half after a talk at half-time.

“We put right the wrongs and our fitness and style of play came through in the second half to ultimately secure the win.”

Lincoln Ladies battled bravely through three injuries as their final league game of the season ended in a 17-0 defeat at Coalville.

After the match coach Brian Kelley said: “The progress shown by the girls has been incredible and they are already talking about how much more they can improve next year.  It’s wonderful to see so much dedication.”

Lincoln’s first and second teams travel to West Bridgford on Saturday.  Lincoln’s third team host their West Bridgford counterparts.

OTHER RESULTS

Elsewhere in the county Scunthorpe won 14-11 at Sandbach in the Midlands Premier.

In Midlands One East Market Rasen lost 64-14 at Melton Mowbray.  In Midlands Two East (South) Stamford lost 29-5 at Stewarts & Lloyds.

In Midlands Three East (North) Sleaford beat Ashby 34-28, Grimsby lost 66-17 at Mansfield and Long Eaton beat Kesteven 59-24.

In Midlands Four East (North) Skegness lost 19-12 at Chesterfield Panthers and Tupton won 57-13 at Boston.  Bourne beat Stamford College Old Boys 96-7 in Midlands Four East (South).

Cleethorpes beat North Hykeham 29-0 in Midlands Five East (North), while Gainsborough lost 38-12 against Meden Vale.