HORNCASTLE RUGBY CLUB 0
LINCOLN IMPS XV 53
NLD MERIT TABLE EAST 1
BY TONY CLAYTON AND JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: ADY BRODRICK/TONY CLAYTON
Rory Standish crossed for a hat-trick of tries as Lincoln Imps XV began their 2022/23 league campaign in style with a 53-0 away victory against a battling Horncastle side.
Team Manager Tony Clayton said it was a masterclass of strong running rugby and an expansive backs display from Lincoln that set the scene for the nine try victory.
Horncastle never let their heads drop and winger Jay Judge was named as their man-of-the-match in only his second ever game. New prop Jake Taylor, also in his second ever game, made some good breaks and made plenty of yards, and big tackles.
Ahead of the match, both teams and spectators perfectly observed a minute’s silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who sadly died on Thursday.
Lincoln started the game with dogged determination after a mixed pre-season and it didn’t take long for them to score their first try. Jake Keeton and Kodi Strand combined to set up Sam Cave who powered over for a try.
The visitors increased their lead just four minutes later after another free-flowing backs move finished by centre Henry Uings in the corner. Captain Alex Brodick added the extras.
Resilient break-up play by flanker Olly Keen then saw Lincoln regain possession, before a great move through the backs was finished by Strand in the corner.
Lincoln increased their advantage after 25 minutes when Horncastle attempted to clear their lines, but missed touch. Strand fielded the ball on the halfway line and advanced into contact and deftly passed out of the tackle to release Tom Law on a mazy run.
Law committed the tackler and released the ball to be passed along the line for Standish to go over for his first try of the match.
Almost directly from the kick-off, Law broke the line and following more quick movement off the ball Harry Atkinson barrelled over from 10 metres out to give Lincoln a 27-0 lead going in at the break.
Horncastle enjoyed their best period of the game in the early stages of the second half and Lincoln began to miss some tackles. Fortunately for Lincoln, some last-ditch tackling and holding their opponents up over the line prevented Horncastle from scoring.
This seemed to spur Lincoln back into action as Standish made a deft line break, perfectly supported by Keen, who passed inside for a strong running Uings to dot down for a try. Luke Brodrick took over kicking duties and successfully slotted over the conversion.
Luke Brodick was soon involved again as Lincoln scored another try. His kick through, although well taken by the Horncastle full-back Iain Borley, Keen made the tackle to cause the turnover.
Swift ball inside found Keeton in space and some silky footwork saw him side step his way over the line for a try. Luke Brodrick added the extras.
A period of strong Lincoln pack play created the base for Keeton to break the line and, despite being under heavy pressure, he skilfully offloaded the ball to the charging Standish who scored his second try of the match. Luke Brodrick successfully slotted over the conversion.
There was still time for one more try for Lincoln late on as Will Hewing slipped a tackle and advanced into contact, presenting the ball for a Standish to pick up and burst over to complete his hat-trick and cap his man-of-the-match display.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
After the match Lincoln captain Alex Brodrick said: “We played some really good rugby, nothing fancy but we did the basics really well, we had three, 3 on 1s, and we came away with a try every time.
“The last couple of seasons we lacked the execution which was our downfall in close matches. The work the coaches are putting in midweek clearly showed and I am really proud of the boys, but now it’s time to focus and regather for next week.”
Man-of-the-match Rory Standish said: “It was great to start the season with a win, playing some creative rugby and setting a solid platform to build upon.”
Coach Andy Miles added: “The team played well for each other, showing enthusiasm, confidence and agile use of the ball and space.
“The forwards created solid platforms for the backs to run strong lines and create try-scoring opportunities.”
Horncastle captain Mike Hoyes said: “We never let our heads drop. The defence was brilliant despite the score and we had chances, but Lincoln defended well.
“Horncastle’s forwards held them off, but Lincoln’s backs were decisive.”
