LINCOLN 3RD XV 12
VALE OF LUNE RUFC 58
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHEN ADDISON
Lincoln’s 3rd XV ended their season in a game against touring side Vale of Lune RUFC and, although the game didn’t go the way of the hosts, it was played in a great spirit.
The match against the Lancaster-based side also gave Lincoln the opportunity to introduce some Colts into senior rugby, including home debuts for their man-of-the-match Flynn Smith, as well as Charlie Musson, Callum Houlden, Kian Richardson, Bowen Jones, Louis Johnson, Sam Jones, Ben Robertson.
The visitors started strongly and nearly opened the scoring within five minutes, but Lincoln defended well to hold them up over the line.
Lincoln continued to battle hard, but Vale of Lune showed their quality with four unanswered tries in the first half giving them a 22-0 lead at half-time.
Lincoln reduced the deficit early in the second half when fly-half Alex Taylor ran through the defence to score a try from around 30 metres out. Paul Swaby successfully slotted over the conversion.
The hosts cut the gap in the score further when their man-of-the-match Flynn Smith dodged and weaved his way through the defence, before being tackled just short of the line. Louis Johnson reacted quickest to pick the ball up and powered through the defence and stretched over the line to score.
Lincoln were improving, but unfortunately for the hosts their opponents made the most of some missed tackles to extend their lead with another try.
Vale added more tries to ensure they picked up a comprehensive victory, with their scorers including a hat-trick for Gruff Roberts and one for Gwern Pierce, but Lincoln kept battling right until the end.
POST MATCH COMMENT
After the match Lincoln’s 3rd XV Manager Tony Clayton said: “Playing against a touring side is always a challenge as you’re never really sure what you’re up against.
“But that uncertainty brings excellent training and learning by making the players adapt and adjust their play.
“Vale of Lune had a strong side which tested us in so many areas and it also created a great opportunity to introduce the Colts into senior rugby and experience touring rugby.
“Despite the score, Vale of Lune were a fantastically generous bunch who played and partied hard. Huge thanks to them for bringing tough rugby and fantastic entertainment.”
