LINCOLN IMPS XV 12
GAINSBOROUGH 1ST/2ND XV 36
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
Lincoln matched Gainsborough in physicality and aggression in a hard-fought game at Longdales Park, but the much heavier visiting pack came out on top 36-12.
Lincoln’s return to rugby earlier this month saw them beat Boston 69-12, but it was a much tougher afternoon for the Imps on Saturday. The game was played in four quarters due to the current coronavirus restrictions.
Gainsborough opened the scoring when Number Eight Ben Watson powered over for a try after a quickly taken penalty.
A well-orchestrated backs move through the hands then set up Gainsborough’s vice-captain and full-back Kieron Smythe to run in for a try in the corner. Brad Beresford added the extras.
Lincoln thought they’d cut the gap in the score when Grant Laws crossed for a try, but it was disallowed for an alleged forward pass by Grant Cowe.
Gainsborough extended their lead after a good spell of pressure by the forwards saw the ball shipped out wide to club captain Jordan Beresford, who ran through a gap to go over for a try. His brother Brad Beresford successfully slotted over the conversion.
Lincoln reduced the deficit in the second quarter when Laws drew the defender in and offloaded for the hosts’ new centre Jordan Bates to go over for a try.
Gainsborough’s forwards worked the ball up the pitch well before prop Damien Hart powered over for a try to give the visitors a 24-5 lead going in at the break.
The visitors extended their lead in the third quarter as the forwards once again worked their way near to the try line. Nick Dyson, who was making his debut for Gainsborough, then picked the ball up and piled over for a try, which Brad Beresford converted.
Gainsborough’s forwards were having an impressive afternoon and worked the ball up in pods to set up a try for Daniel Chadwick.
The only try of the final quarter went the way of Lincoln as Jack Randell threw a long pass to John Walsh, who ran clear to score in the corner. Randell successfully slotted over the conversion to complete the scoring.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
Lincoln hooker James Johnson said: “The scoreline doesn’t reflect the performance of every player who played.
“For the majority of the match we were under pressure against a much heavier Gainsborough pack and we held our own at times with some big tackles from Grant Cowe and Maksim Bajunov.
“When we created any form of structure we looked good, which led to us creating some good chances, but due to some clumsy errors, bickering between ourselves, they didn’t come to much.
“We now need to prepare for the tournament next month and hopefully come away with some silverware.”
Lincoln Imps XV captain Luke Brodrick added: "The boys did well and defended brilliantly throughout the whole game against a strong side. Unforunately little mistakes cost us in the end. We now look forward in preparation for the NLD competition next month."
Gainsborough vice captain Kieron Smythe said: “In the last two weeks we have had some difficult run ins against good teams (Scunthorpe and Keyworth). You can tell we’ve had a year off as we have been a bit rusty.
“We have had a change around in the team and the players are starting to grow into their positions. The game play clicked on Saturday with good pod work in the forwards and slick moves from the backs.
“Lincoln matched us up front and were aggressive and played good rugby. Grant Cowe played fantastic and led them from the front, and was a good leader for Lincoln on the pitch. Their forwards matched us in physicality and aggression.”
