Lincoln men’s first team pushed league leaders Melbourne all the way before losing at home for the first time this season in a 28-19 defeat.
Lincoln’s scrummaging was strong on the day, but some split-second poor decision making ultimately proved costly.
Some good forward drives saw Oliver Page pile over for a try, which Euan Holden converted as Melbourne took an early lead.
Lincoln’s Tongan forward Laguna Fisiihoi leaping to win a lineout against Melbourne. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Lincoln quickly responded as Richie Dixon offloaded to man-of-the-match Lewis Wilson, whose pass set up a try for Josh Pratt. Dixon added the extras.
The hosts took the lead after 27 minutes when another excellent scrum set up Grant Cowe, who powered through two defenders for a try.
Grant Cowe powering over for a try for Lincoln’s 1st XV against Melbourne. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Holden slotted over a penalty for Melbourne before some poor mistakes saw Lincoln concede two soft tries, which were scored by Jack Pearce and James Benstead. Holden added one conversion to give Melbourne a 22-12 half-time lead.
Lincoln reduced the deficit to just three points when Will Scammell made a great run through the Melbourne defence, beating several players on his way to scoring a try which Dixon converted.
Will Scammell scored a try for Lincoln’s 1st XV at the weekend. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Any hopes of a Lincoln comeback were ended when Holden slotted over two penalties for Melbourne, who saw Jack Percival sent to the sin bin late on.
After the match Lincoln’s 1st XV captain Leigh Dearden said: “It was a great game, tough but good. At times Lincoln played evidently and obviously a far higher brand of rugby, but sadly some split-second poor decisions cost us dearly.”
Lincoln’s Imps XV huddled together before the match. Photo: Katie Nesbitt
Sam Moate in action for Lincoln Imps XV against Melbourne. Photo: Katie Nesbitt
Sam Moate crossed for two tries as Lincoln Imps XV continued their strong start to 2019 with a 19-19 draw against unbeaten Melbourne.
Captain James Johnson also got his name on the scoresheet, with Zeph Chapman adding two conversions.
Sean Chapman in action on his debut for Lincoln Imps XV against Melbourne. Photo: Katie Nesbitt
Grant Laws running at the Melbourne defence during Lincoln Imps XV’s 19-19 draw at the weekend.Photo: Katie Nesbitt
After the match captain Johnson said: “Overall I feel the draw was about right. We were the better team in the first and last 20 minutes, with Melbourne being the better team in the middle section.”
Clare Brown crossing for one of her tries during Lincoln Ladies’ victory over Sleaford. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Bob Chapman scored one of Lincoln Ladies’ tries in the 27-5 victory over Sleaford. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Clare Brown and Bob Chapman crossed for two tries apiece as Lincoln Ladies made it back-to-back victories with a 27-5 home victory over Sleaford.
Kellie Pyart grabbed Lincoln’s other try, with Sleaford’s score coming from Sam Olliver.
Kellie Pyart crossing for her try during Lincoln Ladies’ victory over Sleaford. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Lincoln Ladies captain Clare Brown running at the Sleaford defence. Photo: Katie Nesbitt
After the match Lincoln Ladies head coach Brian Kelly said: “The effort from the girls was amazing in terrible playing conditions. They knew they had a point to prove after the cup defeat to Sleaford and they did just that.”
Lincoln’s 1st XV travel to Stamford in the NLD Shield on Saturday, while the Imps XV host Market Rasen & Louth. The 3rd XV travel to West Bridgford.
Lincoln’s Jodie Hill tackling the Sleaford centre. Photo: Mike Lincoln
Other Results
Boston were one of the big winners in Lincolnshire this weekend with Jaron Cowern pictured crossing for one of his three tries. Photo: David Dales
Elsewhere in the county, leaders Scunthorpe beat Doncaster Phoenix 34-27 in the Midlands Premier thanks to tries from Grant Elliott, Ben Hyde, Jacob Hardy, Tom Foster and Will Robinson. Paul Cook kicked three conversions and one penalty.
In Midlands Two East (North) Market Rasen & Louth lost 41-7 at Loughborough, with their points coming from a Jake McLoughlin try, which was converted by Tom Alldridge.
In Midlands Three East (South) both Lincolnshire sides secured victories with Bourne beating Biggleswade 25-18. Sion Williams, Adam Binns and Jack Berry grabbed the tries, with Sam Evison kicking the remaining points. Stamford won 33-21 at Daventry.
Sleaford claimed a 20-12 away win at Kesteven in Midlands Three East (North). John Spencer, Rob Titmus and Cameron Catelugh crossed for Sleaford’s tries, with Wayne Harley adding a conversion and a penalty. Dan Turner and Will Cann scored the hosts’ tries, with Ben Whinney adding a conversion. Spalding lost 31-12 at Buxton.
Lawrence Gillen crossed for four tries as second-placed Cleethorpes thrashed Amber Valley 62-0 in Midlands Four East (North). Matthew Searle grabbed two tries, with captain Dan McDaid, Isaac Machon, Phill Stark and Joe Barker each crossing for one. Harry Lightfoot kicked five conversions, with Barker adding one.
North Hykeham’s 2nd XV beat Kesteven at the weekend. Photo: Will Stone
North Hykeham were awarded a home walkover against Meden Vale. The club’s second team beat Kesteven 27-17 after two tries from Richard Bevan. Ryan Carr, Mark Bunton and Rob Booth also scored tries, with Maxwell Harry converting one. Chris Warden, Mark Dent and Michael Coghill scored Kesteven’s tries, with Marty Parker adding a conversion.
Jaron Cowern crossed for a hat-trick as Boston thrashed Chesterfield Panthers 45-0. Luke Fowler, Rob Borley, Tom Hobbs and Alex Hough each grabbed one try, with Matt Bray converting five.
Luke Fowler was among the try scorers as Boston beat Chesterfield. Photo: David Dales
Lewis Newsum grabbed a hat-trick as Grimsby won 47-18 at Nottinghamians. Lewis Cartwright, Kieron Moore, Tom Bright and Brad Treacher also scored tries, with the latter adding six conversions.
Sam Lempard, Robin Lancaster, Colin Haigh and Jamie Cameron crossed for tries as Skegness lost 55-26 against leaders East Retford. Rikki Bovey added three conversions.
Gainsborough and Ollerton prepare for a scrum. Photo: Tom Ellis
Gainsborough lost 43-27 at Ollerton with Brad Beresford crossing for two tries. Jamie Egan and Damien Hart grabbed a try apiece, with Robbie Goodyear kicking two conversions and a penalty.
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The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.
A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.
Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.