LINCOLN IMPS XV 21
EAST RETFORD 22
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
A late try from East Retford saw victory dramatically snatched away from Lincoln's Imps XV in a hard-fought friendly at home against East Retford.
Lincoln started strongly and opened the scoring inside 10 minutes when quick phase play saw Olly Stringer power over for a try, with several tacklers falling off him in the process. Jack Randall successfully slotted over the conversion.
East Retford hit back to take the lead with two tries, including a well-worked score from the halfway line to give the visitors a 12-7 lead.
The score soon swung back in Lincoln's favour after the hosts were awarded a penalty 10 metres out. After two phases Matt Keeton powered his way over for a try, and Randall once again added the extras.
East Retford responded by kicking over a penalty to edge in front by one point, but the lead was soon Lincoln's again. Tom Law ran down the wing and beat several players to go over for a try in the corner, which Randall converted.
Just as it looked like the win would be Lincoln's, the visitors crossed for a converted try in the final minute so East Retford were victorious.
After the match Lincoln's Director of Rugby Dougie Gordon: "It was a classic pre-season friendly. We showed lots of promise with the shape and styles that we want to play, but just weren't quite there on the day.
"East Retford beat us all day at the breakdown but we dominated them in the set piece.
"All in all it was two fairly evenly matched teams but East Retford kicking a penalty for points ultimately got them the win."
He added that Lucian Morosan at scrum-half and Number Eight Harry Whittaker put in particularly positive performances for Lincoln.
