SCUNTHORPE 3RD XV 8
LINCOLN IMPS XV 14
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX BRODRICK
A last-gasp try from man-of-the-match Will Hewing saw Lincoln Imps XV snatch a 14-8 victory in a friendly away against Scunthorpe’s 3rd XV.
Lincoln opened the scoring in a game which was played in great spirit. Powerful forward Moate took it in from the 22 and made 10 metres before getting pulled down. After a few phases, Moate smashed through two players as he powered over the line for a try. Jack Randell successfully slotted over the conversion.
Scunthorpe reduced the deficit when Kirk Murray picked up the ball from the back of a ruck and stepped several players before going over for a try.
The conversion was missed so Lincoln went into the break with a narrow 7-5 lead.
Scunthorpe took the lead when Lee Copperwheat slotted over a penalty, but Lincoln battled hard and refused to give up and were rewarded with a try in the dying seconds.
After stealing possession from a lineout, Lincoln attacked at pace with slick passing setting up Hewing to run most of the pitch for an excellent try.
Randell once again slotted over the conversion to ensure victory for Lincoln, who have yet to lose any games this season.
The match also saw three of Lincoln’s Colts make impressive debuts for the club - Sam Jones (winger), Callum Houlden (hooker), and Bowen Jones (second row).
POST MATCH COMMENTS
Lincoln Imps XV coach Andy Miles said: “The Imps showed patience and fortitude to secure a win in a very hard-fought and contested game.
“Defensively, the entire team showed one of the best performances this season against a stronger and determined Scunthorpe team.
“Structure in attack was solid and paid dividends when it was applied in the few occasions that were offered.
“Overall the team has come away with the confidence that was lacking certain game areas.”
Lincoln’s stand-in captain Alex Brodrick said: “It was an excellent team performance. From minute one to 80 we defended our line with everything we had and that showed in the result.
“After spending 25 minutes on the back foot we dug deep to get into their 22 and a great team try in the last minute to win the game was the icing on the cake. I’m really proud of the boys.”
Scunthorpe captain Andy Kelly said: “I am absolutely proud of every man today. Never gave Lincoln an inch.
“A last minute try against the pressure we put them under. Fair play to Lincoln they played to the last second, but we never looked like the underdogs.”
“Man-of-the-match was Scott Kelly in his first year in senior rugby, who has come through the Scunthorpe pathway. He was absolutely amazing along with fellow man-of-the-match Cameron Ogg."
