SLEAFORD LADIES 7
LINCOLN LADIES 40
WOMEN’S NATIONAL CHALLENGE 2 MIDLANDS (NORTH EAST)
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: SHAUN PARKES/GEORGE REID
The centre duo of Jenna Bierton and Emelia Twesigye shone through once again as Lincoln Ladies maintained their unbeaten start to the season, and title push, with a 40-7 victory at Sleaford.
Bierton grabbed a hat-trick of tries, while Twesigye, scrum-half Jade Morgan and debutant Naomi Stirling each scored one in Lincoln’s final league match of the year.
Sleaford battled hard throughout the match and their only try was scored by Megan Jones.
Lincoln opened the scoring when Bierton ran through the defence to score a try inside the opening few minutes. Twesigye successfully slotted over the conversion.
Sleaford then began to put Lincoln under a lot of pressure and the visitors were unable to get out of that 22 during that spell of the game, and also conceded several penalties.
However, Lincoln weathered the storm and it wasn’t too long before they added to their lead as Bierton dodged and weaved her way past five players to score a great try. Twesigye once again added the extras.
Lincoln increased their lead after 25 minutes when captain Shannon Snell made a break and shook off four players.
Snell then popped the ball to Morgan on her inside who went over for a try, which Twesigye converted.
Lincoln scored their fourth try of the afternoon to take a 28-0 lead going in at the break. After Sleaford conceded a penalty less than 10 metres from the line, Snell took a quick tap and offloaded the ball for Twesigye to score a try which she also converted.
Sleaford’s Number Eight Flo Cobden, who Lincoln named as the opposition’s best player of the match, was forced after injured after around 52 minutes, causing a stoppage in the game.
Around eight minutes after play had resumed, Bierton went on another great run through to defence to score a try to complete her hat-trick. Her centre partner Twesigye once again added the extras.
Naomi Stirling came off the bench to play in her first ever game of rugby in the second half. Within a minute of coming onto the field the debutant showed great pace to confidently run down the wing to score an unconverted try.
Sleaford continued to battle hard and showed great spirit throughout, and they were rewarded for their endeavours in the final minute of the match. A great team move saw the ball taken over the line for a try by Megan Jones, which was converted by Amiee Jepson.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
“We worked together so well as a team and supported each other.
“Although we know we have things to work on ahead of the fixtures in the New Year, we have positives to take from the game.”
The Lincoln skipper praised the performances of Casey Thompson and Midge Newsome who excelled in the forwards, Abi Lee “bossing it” in the backs, and the centre pairing of Jenna and Emelia.
She also wanted to give a special mention to the opposition saying that Sleaford had improved a lot since the previous meeting between the two teams.
Sleaford’s Becca Grice, who watched from the sidelines due to injury said: “It was an amazing battle between Lincoln and the plucky underdogs Sleaford who did not make it easy.
“It was a great last minute team try taken over the line by Megan Jones. There were also fantastic last games for Nikki Kemp and Amy Woodford.
“Both ladies were proud of the final games they played for Sleaford. Thanks to Lincoln for a great last game of 2021.”
POST MATCH AWARDS
Forward of the match – Shannon Snell
Back of the match – Liv Smith
Coach’s player of the match – Jade Morgan
Opposition’s choice for player of the match – Sleaford’s Flo Cobden
Sleaford
Forward of the match – Charlotte Sterry (her first ever game in the front row)
Back of the match – Eloise Messam
Coach’s player of the match – Beth Wright
Opposition’s choice for player of the match – Lincoln’s Emelia Twesigye
