LINCOLN IMPS XV 27
KESTEVEN 2ND XV 17
NLD MERIT LEAGUE 1 EAST
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: JEN DAVEY AND OLIE HANSON
Lincoln and Kesteven’s second teams met for the fourth time this season, with Lincoln coming out on top for the third time with a 27-17 victory at Longdales Park.
Mitch Ashworth grabbed a brace of tries for Lincoln and Ben Stringer, John Feeney and Mick Glenfield each scored one, while Alex Brodrick kicked one conversion.
Will Young, Jack Simpson and Conor Stewart all scored tries for Kesteven and Arran Ward-Worley added one conversion.
Lincoln opened the scoring inside the opening minute of the match after a good carry by Ollie Keen set up Ashworth to run in for his first try of the afternoon, which Brodrick converted.
Kesteven responded just six minutes later as Young, who was playing his first game in 10 years, ran through a few tackles to score a try. Ward-Worley added the extras to level the score.
After a lineout move, Simpson picked up the ball from the back of a maul to drive over for a try to put Kesteven in front.
Kesteven, who were captained on the day by Simon Morgan, increased their lead after 25 as Stewart ran in for a try from Lincoln’s 22 to give the visitors a 10-point lead.
Lincoln reduced the deficit to 17-12 going in at the break after quick-thinking from Ashworth saw him take a tap and go to run in for his second try of the match.
Lincoln levelled the score within 11 minutes of the restart after a good lineout move on the 22 saw Stringer run in for a try from a trick play.
The score remained locked at 17-17 with just 10 minutes left, but two Lincoln substitutes made a big impact with late tries to ensure victory for the hosts.
Feeney, who usually plays at flanker, stepped in at 13 and ran between two defenders from the 10 metre line to put Lincoln in front.
In the final minute of the match Glenfield ran through a gap between two defenders and powered over for a try, taking three players with him.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
After the match Lincoln Imps XV captain Dave Rose-Allen said: “Thanks to Kesteven for what was a great game of rugby despite the weather.
“I’m really happy with our approach and attitude. We had a game plan and things went as expected in the second half.
“We had a few standout performances with Sam Jones receiving man-of-the-match. Ben Stringer made an impact following injury and Chris Smith made several important tackles.
“We look forward to finishing the season strong against Market Rasen in two weeks.”
Kesteven captain Olie Hanson was unavailable for selection for the match, but gave his view from the sidelines, saying: “Although the score didn’t go the way we wanted, the lads played it with exactly the heart and determination we’ve been looking for.
“It was great to see another fantastic mix of players on the field - two of which hadn’t played in 10 years, some returning from injury, some Colts and the usual bunch who should have probably retired years ago but they’re too damn stubborn.
“Hopefully we’ll meet again next season!”
