LINCOLN IMPS XV 44
MARKET RASEN & LOUTH WOLFHOUNDS 28
NLD CHALLENGE CUP
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: ADY BRODRICK & MIKE LINCOLN
Captain Sam Cave and Luke Brodrick crossed for two tries apiece as Lincoln Imps XV started their NLD Challenge Cup campaign with a 44-28 home victory against local rivals Market Rasen & Louth Wolfhounds.
Jack Miles, Sam Moate, Chris Smith and Jack Randell also scored tries for Lincoln, with the latter adding two conversions, while scrum-half Mitch Ashworth and second row Harry Hicks were among the strongest performers for the Imps.
Will Inman and Calum Dufton both scored a brace of tries for Rasen. Rasen were only able to travel with 12 players, but deserve credit for putting in a determined performance, and their remaining points came via the boot of Dufton.
Lincoln went into the game having not played for a few weeks, but they were determined to continue the form that saw them win this season's NLD Merit Table East 1 league without losing a single game.
Lincoln started the game positively and opened the scoring after a bit of phase play down the left-hand side saw Miles run a hard line. He broke through the game line from 15 metres out to score a try, which Randell converted.
Rasen levelled the score with Inman’s first try of the match, which was converted by Dufton, but Lincoln were soon back in front.
A good move through the hands set up Brodrick for a try in the left-hand corner and it didn’t take long for the full-back to add his second.
After being awarded a penalty, a tap and go saw Moate powerfully run into contact, before quick hands set up Miles. The centre’s miss pass was then caught by Brodrick who ran in for a try.
Dufton went over for and converted Rasen’s second try as the visitors reduced the deficit to just three points.
Lincoln ended the first half on top as another tap and go penalty saw Moate crash through several defenders to put the ball down for an unconverted try.
Lincoln extended their lead in the second half when Randell boshed off a few defenders on his way to scoring a great try in the left-hand corner.
A break from Cave then saw the Lincoln skipper break through for his first try of the match.
Lincoln moved further in front when Smith picked up a loose ball from a ruck and powered his way over the line for a try, which Randell converted.
Despite the scoreline, Rasen didn’t let their heads drop. After charging down a kick Inman went over for his second try of the match and Dufton once again added the extras.
Lincoln scored their final try of the match after a good bit of phase play set up Miles to run towards the try line, but he was held up just short. Cave soon picked up the ball from the base of a ruck and then powered his way over to score.
Rasen then enjoyed a good period of pressure in Lincoln’s half and after good charge down by William Tomlinson, Dufton showed a great turn of pace to collect the ball and outpaced the defence to score from 15 metres out.
Lincoln will now face Boston’s 2nd XV in the next round of the cup.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
After the match Lincoln coach Adam ‘Trig’ Kelleher said: “It was a really good hard tackling derby game. We scored good tries but mistakes were punished.
“Overall, a really good hard performance from us. With excellent carries from man-of-the-match Harry Hicks and some absolute killer tackles from Ollie Keen in the forwards, the backs moved the ball to produce some great flowing rugby.
“A great physical encounter eventually dominated by Lincoln. Setting us up for the next round, which we look forward to with anticipation.”
Lincoln Imps XV captain Sam Cave: “We knew coming in to this game there would be a certain amount of rustiness after a number of weeks with no game.
“This showed for a little while, but when the lads got back into rhythm we started to break down their defence and halt their attack.
“Credit to Market Rasen who did not let up regardless of the score and pushed us right until the final whistle.
“As a team we know we left a number of points on the pitch, which is something we will be working on to help with later stages in the cup.
“The effort from 1-20 was amazing to see but special mention to man-of-the-match Harry Hicks who but in a shift all over the park.”
Market Rasen’s 2nd XV captain Angus Treadgold said: “It was a really great performance despite the score. Some great support play in the forwards leading to Rasen marching up the pitch numerous times for William Inman’s two tries.
“The weather made for slippery conditions, however, Rasen dug deep throughout.
“Lincoln gained points early into the second half after some tenses periods on Rasen’s try line with a great defensive effort from all.
“Rasen then upped the pace later into the second half to gain a fourth try through more forwards power.
“Despite the scoreline there were some great performances, notably William Tarquin Pridgeon in both attack and defence, and Calum Dufton’s exceptional right boot.
“A huge thanks to all who played and supported in spite of poor weather."
