LINCOLN'S 3RD XV 20
LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE 24
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: TONY CLAYTON
A second half flurry of tries arrived too little too late for Lincoln’s 3rd XV as they were narrowly beaten 24-20 at home against Lincolnshire Police.
Ahead of the match Lincoln’s 3rd and Imps XVs, along with Skegness and Lincolnshire Police, paid tribute to Sam Staple by observing a minute’s silence in his memory.
The Lincoln Under-16s player sadly died on Tuesday, September 24 and is missed by everyone at the rugby club. He is described as a “funny, cheeky, larger than life character” who was “enthusiastic about playing rugby”.
Lincoln were determined to produce a strong performance in Sam’s honour and they scored the first try of the match after 20 minutes.
Jack Miles kicked the ball long and Lincolnshire Police knocked it on 10 metres from their own try line. Lincoln won a scrum penalty and moved quickly before drawing players in and the ball popped out for Harry Atkinson to drive his way over for an unconverted try.
Lincolnshire Police responded with a try just five minutes later. After a scrum, Lincoln turned the ball over, but Lincolnshire Police’s captain Liam Asquith soon recovered it and shipped it to Tom Dixon who drove through to score.
The kick-off went high into Lincoln territory and the hosts missed the catch. The ball bounced kindly into the onrushing Dixon who recovered the ball one-handed and ran in for a try as the police took a 14-5 lead in at the break.
Lincoln started to lose some discipline in the second half and were pushed back. A defensive scrum was awarded against them on their own five metre line on the hour mark.
Dixon soon picked the ball up from the back of driving maul on the blindside to go over for a try to complete his hat-trick.
A quick tap penalty then saw Tom Wood beat a defender to score as Lincolnshire Police extended their lead to 24-5.
Lincoln reduced the deficit after 65 minutes after winning a penalty inside the Lincolnshire Police 22. The ball was recycled and Christian Nastac took it on the crash before a ruck was set up.
The ball then went through to hands to Luke Brodrick who handed off the full-back and ran in for an unconverted try in the corner.
Lincoln continued to mount their comeback as Atkinson made a booming drive through the centre 10 minutes from time. Miles kicked a penalty into touch and Lincoln won the lineout off the top before Paul Swaby passed it out into the backs.
Club stalwart Andy Donnor then took it on the drive and was held up just short of the try line. Two more darts to the line by Lincoln players were held up short before Donnor picked again and drove his way over and, despite the ball popping out of his hands, he recovered well before hitting the ground to score a try.
Lincoln drove forward again and made good yards inside the final minute of the match. Lincolnshire Police then took control of a ruck near their own posts, but when the ball popped out Swaby reacted quickest to jump on the loose ball and score.
Lincoln had the momentum, but there was not enough time left for them to complete the comeback in a game which was played in a great spirit.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
Lincoln’s 3rd XV Manager Tony Clayton said: “This was a poignant day as both team’s stood side by side for a minute’s silence in commemoration of Sam Staple.
“Our heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and friends; the future of rugby will be a little dimmer with him not in it.
“The game was as expected, quickly becoming an arm-wrestle as the play went from end to end.
“Despite deservedly taking the lead, a lack of discipline in key areas allowed Lincs Police to get back into the game and take a 19-point lead in the second half.
“The 3’s spirit emerged in the last 20 minutes, delivering three well-worked tries, and we were unlucky not to snatch a win in the final seconds of the match.
“We can take some good lessons from the game. I couldn’t have been more proud of how we kept positive and showed real passion.
“There is a great feeling of togetherness and desire within the squad which we can build upon for a strong future.”
Lincoln’s 3rd XV captain Tom Wilson said: “It was a great game of rugby against Lincolnshire Police who make huge improvements between every game.
“It was a hard fought contest and the lads came away knowing they’ve been involved in a tough game.
“We have a bit of work to do before our next league game and I am looking forward to getting one back on the coppers at the next game.”
Lincolnshire Police captain Liam Asquith said: “Lincoln were great hosts as always who always make us feel welcome.
“The game was full of fast, running rugby with an edge and a fair bit of cheeky banter between the players which never overstepped the mark.
“Always a pleasure playing at Lincoln Rugby Club.”
