KESTEVEN 2ND XV 18
LINCOLN IMPS XV 48
NLD MERIT 1 EAST
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: JEN DAVEY & CARRIE NICKLIN
Captain Dave Rose-Allen and Louis Johnson crossed for a brace of tries apiece as Lincoln’s Imps XV won 48-18 at Kesteven.
The Imps went into the match knowing it would be a tough fixture after September’s 32-17 loss against the same opponents, but they produced a far more determined performance this time around to ensure the victory.
Arron Drury, James Johnson, Kodi Strand, and Jack Randell also scored tries for Lincoln, with the latter adding four conversions.
Captain Olie Hanson, Jack Jonson, and under-18s player Pellett all scored tries for Kesteven, while Olly Coyle kicked a penalty. Their man-of-the-match Rory Sheard produced a strong performance and played in multiple different positions on the day.
Kesteven opened the scoring after just three minutes when Coyle slotted over a penalty.
The hosts soon extended their lead from a penalty two metres out that saw captain Hanson run in for an unconverted try.
Lincoln reduced the deficit when strong phase play saw Drury crash over the line for a try.
The visitors then moved in front after four phases attacking through the middle saw them awarded a penalty. After two more phases the ball was shipped out wide for James Johnson to go over for a try, which Randell converted.
The score swung back in Kesteven’s favour after 36 minutes when Jack Jonson crashed through the Lincoln line from five metres out after a scrum.
However, it was Lincoln who ended the first half on top with a converted try giving them a 19-13 lead going in at the break. After a lineout went through everyone and bobbled on the floor, it bounced and was caught by Rose-Allen, who ran 30 metres to score a try. Randell added the extras.
Lincoln extended their lead within two minutes of the restart when Bowen Jones made a break, before three phases and good backs play opened up space for Strand, who ran 20 metres to score. Randell once against successfully slotted over the conversion.
The visitors moved further in front just three minutes later when the ball was shipped wide to Strand. He made a great break before offloading the ball to Randell, who ran 30 metres to score a try which he also converted.
Kesteven continued to battle hard and, after a good lineout and maul move, Pellett powered over for his first ever senior try. At this point of the game there was still half an hour left to play, so it could have gone either way, but Lincoln added a further three tries to secure the victory.
After a strong scrum on halfway, Lincoln produced three strong phases through the forwards and recycled the ball to Randell. Randell ran from the 22 with Louis Johnson behind him, and the youngster took the back pass to run in for a try.
Randell was heavily involved in the next try to as he carried the ball forward 10 metres from a penalty and chipped it over the top to Luke Brodrick. Brodrick then offloaded the ball for Louis Johnson to run in for his second try of the match.
With the last play of the game Lincoln were awarded a scrum. Captain Rose-Allen picked the ball up from Number Eight and carried the ball 10 metres to complete his brace.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
Lincoln’s Imps XV captain Dave Rose-Allen said: “As always it was great to play against Kesteven. Our games are always fiery and competitive on the pitch but gentlemanly in the bar.
“The conditions made for a difficult game but as a team we showed good character and are improving constantly.
“The weather made the game difficult for both teams and for the referee. I’d like to make specific mention to our ref, Faye Watson. It’s not easy to referee but on Saturday both myself and the Kesteven captain agree that her performance was exemplary.
“I’m really happy with the performance from the team. Congratulations to Louis Johnson who got a brace of tries and was our man-of-the-match. Also to Arron Drury for his first ever Lincoln try.
“It was also really good to see Jack Randall, Kodi Strand and Luke Brodrick working in partnership.
“It’s a pleasure to captain a group players who are constantly improving. We look forward to our final game of 2023 against Market Rasen.”
Kesteven’s 2nd XV captain Olie Hanson said: “It was a hard game as it always is against Lincoln. We played some great rugby, but we made too many mistakes in defence and Lincoln capitalised on that.
“I’m very proud of the performance the lads put in, it just wasn’t our day. We’re looking forward to trying again, hopefully in the New Year.”
Both captains agreed that the referee had put in a great performance and was probably the best official they’ve had this season.
