SCUNTORPE 3RD XV 21
LINCOLN IMPS XV 41
BY JOSEPH VERNEY & TONY CLAYTON
PHOTO CREDIT: JACK MILES
Fly-half Jack Randell scored two tries and produced a man-of-the-match performance as Lincoln’s Imps XV secured a 41-21 victory away against Scunthorpe’s third team.
Jake Keeton, James Johnson, Eren Hamilton, and Will Hewing also scored tries for Lincoln, while Randell kicked four conversions and a penalty.
Kirk Murray, Neil Wainer, and Josh Samuels all scored tries for Scunthorpe and Robbie Goodyear added all three conversions.
When the two sides last met in pre-season it ended in a 12-12 draw at Logndales Park and this match was once again played in great spirit. It was also a good test to see how far the unbeaten Imps have come so far this season in their delivery and execution.
Both sides started the game strong with the heavier Scunthorpe pack looking more dominant in the early exchanges.
However, it wasn’t long before Lincoln opened the scoring through a strong hard-line run from Alex Brodrick which saw him break through the defence. Brodrick then offloaded to Hamilton who ran past the covering the covering winger to go under the posts for a try. Randell added the extras.
Lincoln produced some fantastic forward-thinking rugby and defensively they were resolute, especially in the backs, with all players contributing to a robust unit that proved difficult to break down.
The visitors increased their lead when the ball went through the hands with Keeton, Johnson and Hewing. Then after a quickly taken penalty from Lucian Morosan, Keeton was able to power over the line for a try.
Lincoln added their third try when Randell got the ball on his own 10 metre line. He then stepped two players, ran through a gap and beat two players to score a great try, which he also converted.
Lincoln moved further in front when Hewing expertly read a Scunthorpe pass to intercept the ball on his own 22 and he outpaced the chasing Scunthorpe players to score. Randell added the extras.
Scunthorpe crossed for two tries to reduce the deficit to 26-14 going in at the break. Scrum-half Murray dummied the guard at a ruck five metres out before dotting the ball down for a try.
Scunthorpe’s second came from good solid pod work with the forwards batting Lincoln back. Wainer then broke through after picking up from the base of a ruck to bag his try and Goodyear successfully slotted over both conversions.
The hosts cut the gap in the score to just five points early in the second half. A cross-field kick from the boot of Goodyear found Samuels, who outpaced the defence to go over for a try in the corner. Goodyear maintained his 100% record with the boot on the day by adding the conversion.
Randell slotted over a penalty before Lincoln eased any possible nerves by adding another try after a two on one on the right-hand side of the pitch. Keeton sucked in the last defender before passing to Johnson, who ran 10 metres and dived over for a try in the corner.
Lincoln completed the scoring after Brodrick’s pass set up Kodi Strand, whose inside ball released Randell and the fly-half got the better of the Scunthorpe player to go over for a try in the corner.
Randell successfully slotted over the conversion to cap a fine performance from the young fly-half, who showed excellent game management and control, as well as intelligent kicking out of hand.
Cameron Ogg, for his hand carries, and Cuan Hindshaw for outstanding tackling, were jointly named as Scunthorpe’s man-of-the-match.
After the match Lincoln coach Andy Miles said: “I am extremely proud of the Imps’ performance and cannot thank them enough for their contributions.
“The team now move forward into the next round of our league games where work continues on strengthening aspects of the game.”
Scunthorpe captain Andy Kelly said: “The thirds played a fierce opposition in Lincoln 2’s very strong side. They played a fast pace game with quick hands.
“Scunthorpe had the heavier pack and it showed in the scrums. Lincoln were more mobile and had youth on their side.
“It was a really good game to play in and played in the true spirt of rugby.”
