KESTEVEN COLTS 38
LINCOLN COLTS 5
NLD COLTS GROUP 5
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
Lincoln Colts battled hard and showed great character in a tough match which ended in a 38-5 defeat at Kesteven.
It took 20 minutes for the first score of the match - after initially defending well to keep Kesteven out, the hosts managed to get over for a try in the corner.
From the restart, Kesteven broke through a few tackles to run in for a try and take a 12-0 lead going in at the break.
Kesteven extended their lead in the second half after some very quick play saw them score under the posts.
Lincoln were defending strongly, but unfortunately Kesteven found a gap down the left-hand side of a breakdown and, after a good ruck move, the scored another try.
Lincoln reduced the deficit after being awarded a penalty and kicking for touch down the left-hand side of the pitch. From the resulting lineout, and a strong maul move, Lincoln broke off to the right and Zane Redfern powered over for a try.
Back came Kesteven with a penalty, which Lincoln initially defended well by keeping out several pick and go moves to turn the ball over. However, Lincoln soon lost the ball on their own line, which Kesteven capitalised on to score.
After some to and fro, and a bit of an arm wrestle in midfield, a stray pass was picked up by Kesteven who used the width well before a good chip over the top set up the final try of the match.
After the match Lincoln's Director of Age Grade Rugby Chris Briggs said: "Before the game the coaches asked the players to show their character, and with them holding up two tries, they showed that.
"We believe the potential in the group is huge. Now the players just need to believe it to."
