NEWARK 3RD XV 26
LINCOLN 3RD XV 31
BY JOSEPH VERNEY AND TONY CLAYTON
PHOTO CREDIT: ADY BRODRICK/TONY CLAYTON
Adrian Magee put in a man-of-the-match performance as Lincoln’s 3rd XV secured a battling away victory at near neighbours Newark.
Magee, along with Gary Cain, Paul Swaby, Alex ‘Snowy’ Cotterill, and Kodi Strand all scored tries for Lincoln, while Alex Brodrick successfully kicked three conversions.
Lincoln were forced into an early change after 15 minutes due to a blood injury to the strong running Ryan Harmer. The change saw Darren Tinsley continue his comeback since coming out of retirement, injecting some extra experience into the Lincoln line-up.
It also meant that Tinsley played on the pitch with his sons Josh and Ryan for the first time in around five years as the duo also made their comebacks.
The substitution had an immediate impact as Lincoln drove up the pitch and won a penalty. Lincoln found touch inside the Newark 22 and secured the ball with flanker Cotterill receiving a short pass from scrum-half Swaby.
Cotterill then rolled back the years to zig zag his way through two defenders, before popping the ball inside to on-rushing hooker Cain, who burst through to score under the posts. Lincoln fly-half Alex Brodrick successfully slotted over the conversion.
Lincoln were soon on the attack again with some powerful running by prop Darren Rorie. Newark, however, were proving tough in defence and turned the ball over. Their kick for touch was poor and Swaby seized the loose ball and romped down the wing to score a try.
Newark fought back with two piercing runs directly to the heart of the Lincoln defence. The first attempt was held up over the line but, in their defensive efforts, Lincoln conceded a penalty. Unfortunately this then led to Newark being awarded a penalty try.
Strand and Ryan Tinsley initially foiled Newark’s next effort with some good tackling, but Lincoln were unable to stop the hosts from scoring a converted try and narrowly railed 14-12 going in at the break.
The second half was as evenly fought as the first with Newark seizing control and Lincoln doggedly clawing them back each time.
Newark’s aggression around the ruck in their attacking third was key to their initial success, but Lincoln made sure of the victory with three tries wide on the left wing.
The first came through some excellent moves which froze the Newark defence and allowed Lincoln full-back Strand to score.
Newark regained the lead with a try, but Lincoln soon scored again after outstanding support play by Cotterill, who burst through to touch down for a try and Brodrick added the extras.
Newark edged in front with a converted try, but a determined Lincoln made sure they came away with bragging rights.
With just a few minutes left on the clock, Magee found himself in space out wide and weaved his way through the Newark back line to score under the posts. Brodrick successfully slotted over the conversion.
Newark were quickly on the attack and, through a series of Lincoln indiscretions and a late yellow card, the hosts were again camped near the try line. However, they were unable to control the ruck and handed the ball back to Lincoln, who held on for a great victory.
The match also saw club stalwart, and former 3rd XV captain Adam ‘Trig’ Kelleher come off the bench to make his playing comeback.
After the match Lincoln’s 3rd XV captain Tony Clayton said: “This was a real arm wrestle of a game, which ebbed and flowed. The game could have ended in either side getting the win, and no-one would have questioned it.
“The enjoyment in playing a competitive game, in a spirited manner, with excellent attitude and gamesmanship from both sides was a pleasure to be part of.
"Newark deserve every credit for the way they conducted themselves forcing us to work hard for 80 minutes and taking their opportunities well.
“I was immensely proud of the Lincoln lads, who dogged it out to secure the win, which is another step in the right direction as we rebuild.”
