KESTEVEN COLTS 24
LINCOLN COLTS 17
NLD PLATE SEMI-FINAL
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: RUSS MAKINSON
Lincoln Colts pushed Kesteven all the way in the NLD Plate semi-final before eventually going down to a narrow 24-17 defeat at Woodnook.
It was a really to and fro match for the first 15 minutes with good attacking from both sides before Kesteven broke the deadlock. After a kick over the defence, Lincoln knocked it backwards and the chasing Kesteven players were able to gather to go over for a try.
The conversion was added as Kesteven took a narrow 7-0 lead in at the break.
Lincoln levelled the score after captain Zane Redfern made a tackle on Kesteven’s 10 metre line to help secure a turnover and a penalty. Redfern then took a quick tap penalty before running from the opposition 10 metre line to score a try under the posts, which James Tomlinson converted.
Kesteven moved in front with two tries on either side of the pitch, but Lincoln refused to give up and reduced the deficit to just seven points when Tomlinson slotted over a penalty.
Kesteven extended their lead after Lincoln dropped a miss pass in midfield. Kesteven pilled on the pressure and kicked through before picking up the bouncing ball to score a try under the posts.
Back came Lincoln with a late flurry and a penalty kick into the corner. Lincoln soon won another penalty for offside and a tap and go move in the middle saw them go over for a try.
Unfortunately it was disallowed and play went back for another penalty for Lincoln, but this time they weren’t to be denied as Elliot Laming went over for a try under the posts.
Tomlinson added the extras to move Lincoln to within one try of their opponents, but Kesteven held on and kept them out for the final minutes.
POST MATCH COMMENT
After the match, Lincoln’s Director of Age Grade Rugby Chris Briggs said: “A definite improvement from the players. Had a couple of dropped passes stuck, or the bounce of the ball been different, the victory would have been ours.
“The Lincoln attack showed much more promise and our set piece was strong and we showed complete dominance in the lineout.
"Our captain drove the standard we expect as a group and I was really pleased to see him score his try and he was rightfully named forward of the match, with James Tomlinson getting our back of the match.
“Congratulations to Kesteven and we wish them good luck in the final.”
