STAMFORD COLLEGE OLD BOYS 2ND XV 3
LINCOLN 3RD XV 22
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: TONY CLAYTON
Player of the match Tom Law and scrum-half Paul Swaby crossed for two tries apiece as Lincoln’s 3rd XV recorded a 22-3 friendly win away against a gutsy Stamford College Old Boys side.
A mix of vets and youth contested a well-fought encounter at Welland Academy in which both sides battled hard, while Tyler Houston, Ray Bates, Ben Morgan and Callum Fraser were among the strongest performers for the hosts.
Lincoln opened the scoring after being awarded a penalty inside the opposition 22. Swaby took a quick tap penalty and, after a bit of confusion in defence, he went over for an unconverted try.
The visitors were awarded another penalty for an alleged high tackle inside the Stamford five metre line midway through the first half. Swaby again opted to take a quick tap penalty and, with the Stamford defence not set, he went over for his second try of the match.
Lincoln increased their lead on the half hour mark when the host were awarded a scrum on their own five metre line. Stamford then kicked deep, but the ball was picked up by Lincoln full-back Mike Houldridge, who drove into space and passed to Craig Griffiths out on the wing.
Griffiths then passed back inside to fly-half Dave Maudsley who drew a tackle in and offloaded the ball to Craig Richardson. Richardson drove into space before offloading to Law, who stepped back inside and ran in for a try.
Lincoln were soon in again after turning the ball over on the 10 metre line. Maudsley then popped the ball outside to Law, who cut back inside two players and went over for a try under the posts.
Swaby successfully slotted over the conversion to give Lincoln a commanding 22-0 lead going in at the break.
Both sides pushed hard in the second half with the only score coming from a late drop goal by fly-half Callum Fraser.
It was the least Stamford College Old Boys deserved after pushing hard for 80 minutes and the score came deep into the match. After being awarded a scrum in Lincoln’s 22, a strong push led to a scrum penalty, which was taken quickly and from in line with the 10 metre line, Fraser slotted over a sweet drop goal.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
After the match Lincoln’s 3rd XV Manager Tony Clayton said: “We pulled together well as a cohesive unit and proved difficult to break down.
“Quick thinking for the opening tries set us up nicely and some excellent running in open space by the backs ensured the win.
“I asked the guys to enjoy themselves but work hard as individuals and for each other; they certainly didn’t disappoint.
“Huge credit to Stamford College who gave us real problems in the scrums, and probably deserved a little more from the game. Their attitude and sportsmanship was impeccable, making for a totally enjoyable game of rugby.”
Stamford College Old Boys 2nd XV captain Alan Flanders said: “It was always going to be a difficult day against a tough well-drilled side, although the scoreboard gives the indication it was all one way.
“On the pitch it seemed a relatively even affair. Credit to everyone who pulled on a Stamford College shirt.”
