Saturday 19 April 

Lincoln First XV 15

Coalville First XV 55

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Six unanswered tries proved decisive as Lincoln ended the season with a 55-15 defeat against Coalville in a typical game of two halves.

 

Tries from Adam White and Michael Richmond put the visitors 17-15 in front by half time, with Jim Calveley and Oliver Colquitt responding for Lincoln.

 

Coalville stole the show in the second half with tries from Tom Rice, Danny Hickin, Billy Measures, White and Richmond.

 

Coach Dave Cooper was left frustrated with the result.

 

“It was an old cliché game of two halves, the Coalville coach said we were the better side in the first half, but they came out all guns blazing in the second half and we couldn’t deal with their pace,” said Cooper.

 

“The score line flattered them but there is no getting away from the fact we were beaten by the better team on the day.

 

“When we lost Karl Sibbons and Mike Nuttley to injury the scrums went down and Coalville got more of the ball.

“We missed Dan Reeds’ tackling prowess today, but I am not disappointed with the game as a whole.

 

“On a positive note, it is a bonus to see so many youngsters in Lincoln’s first team, which bodes well for the future.”

 

Veteran Paul Clarke added: “The game itself was good first half and very competitive, but we had to make changes in the second half which weakened us and left us wanting in defence.

“In fairness to Coalville they played excellently in the second half and attacked with fluency from deep with plenty of support.

 

“It was a truly enjoyable occasion but very tiring, and I will continue to play below first team level.

“I look forward to coaching the lads next season, they are a great bunch of players and we will be looking to put Lincoln in a much stronger position next year.”

  

Coalville opened the scoring after five minutes when White took advantage of missed tackles to run in for a try, which Measures converted.

 

Lincoln hit back midway through the half with a penalty from Jake Williams, before a big drive sent Calveley over for a try to edge the hosts in front.

 

A Measures penalty put Coalville back in front before Lincoln once again took the lead.  Colquitt did superbly under pressure to gather the ball and race down the wing for a try, which Williams converted.

 

Coalville had the final say of the half with Richmond running through the Lincoln defence for a try, which Measures converted.

 

The visitors extended their lead with two tries within six minutes of the restart. Hickin raced clear from halfway for a try, before Richmond ran past several missed tackles for a simple score, with Measures converting one.

 

Lincoln’s defence went astray as the visitors ran in three converted tries in quick succession from Measures, Rice and Richmond.

 

The hosts came close with Calvely and Haire both stopped short of the line, but a last minute try from White completed the victory for Coalville.

 

 

Saturday 12 April

West Bridgford First XV 17

Lincoln First XV 19

 

By Joseph Verney

 

An early second half try from George Hudson gave Lincoln a 19-17 win away at West Bridgford for their second consecutive victory.

 

Tries from Mike Darlow and Tom Wagstaff put the hosts 14-12 in front by half time, with Pete Webster and Andy Donnor responding for Lincoln.

                       

Hudson’s try sealed the victory for the Red & Greens, with a penalty from Dave Watson not enough to prevent defeat for West Bridgford.

 

Coach Gareth Thomas was delighted with the result.

 

“It was a very pleasing away win, West Bridgford is a difficult place to come and play, they are a good strong team on their own patch but I thought our boys dug deep and it was an awesome defensive display,” said Thomas.

 

“It was great to see Andy Donnor back in the side and he made a fantastic try scoring return, Tom Haire was great in the lineout and stole some of their ball, and Adam Whitwell excelled again at scrum half.

 

“Overall, from 1-18 it was very pleasing and something to build on for next week, and take forward to the match against Coalville.”

 

Second Row Pete Webster said: “It was great to see the lads really pull together in a difficult away fixture, and at the end of the day hard committed team work came through.”

 

Andy Donnor added: “It’s great to be back playing for Lincoln again and it was fitting to score against the side where I got injured in December.”

 

West Bridgford opened the scoring within the first minute of play after Andy Pike evaded two tackles before releasing Darlow to run in for a try, which Simon Ward converted.

 

But Lincoln hit back four minutes later after a huge kick from Sam Cheffins put the visitors deep in their opponents half.  From the resulting lineout a big drive from the Lincoln pack sent Webster over for a try.

 

Both sides produced good phases of play before the hosts extended their lead with Pike releasing Wagstaff to run for a try, which Ward converted.

 

Donnor shrugged off several tackles before going over for a try, which Cheffins converted, just before half time.

Lincoln scored the match winning try within two minutes of the restart after the visitors played a great line with Cheffins delaying the pass to allow Hudson to run in for a try.  Cheffins added the extras.  

 

Lincoln almost extended their lead when Dave Ferguson raced down the wing from halfway before offloading to Tom Haire, but the forward knocked on a metre from the line.

 

West Bridgford played some great running rugby but excellent tackles from Ferguson and Whitwell denied them.

 

Hooker Mike Nuttley was sent to the sin bin as Watson converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to two points.

 

The hosts could have won in the final minutes only to be denied by a superb last ditch tackle from winger Jake Williams.

 

 

Saturday 29 March

Lincoln First XV 45

Nottingham Moderns First XV 27

 

By Joseph Verney

 

A hat-trick from Matt Meanwell helped Lincoln to a 45-27 victory and a league double over Nottingham Moderns.

 

Tries from Karl Sibbons, Oliver Colquitt, Dan Reeds and Meanwell put Lincoln 26-15 ahead going in at half time, with Ashley Woodward and Ben Radford responding for Moderns.

 

Meanwell and Reeds added further tries while Andrew Rollings scored a brace for Nottingham.

 

Coach Dave Cooper was delighted with the performance.

 

“I thought we were the better side from the word go,” said Cooper.

“We approached the game in a positive manner and played that way, but credit to Moderns they never stopped playing until the final whistle and when we let up they exploited it.

 

“The four colts that came in did a sterling job and the skipper Adam Whitwell stepped in at scrum half and did a very good job.

 

“The forwards, some coming back from injury, stuck it out for the full 80 minutes.

 

“The lads have been in a positive frame of mind for weeks and this will provide a good platform for the end of the season.”

 

Hat-trick hero Meanwell added:

 

“It was a great performance all round, the forwards did the hard graft to supply the backs with the pace to create chances and score.

 

“Hopefully we can carry this form through to the next two games and grind some points out.”

 

Nottingham opened the scoring after just two minutes with Woodward going over for a try in the corner.

 

But Lincoln hit back immediately to take the lead.  An excellent interception and huge break up field from Pete Webster, allowed fellow second row Sibbons to run in for a try, which Sam Cheffins converted.

 

 

Lincoln soon extended their lead when Whitwell made excellent yards with a superb dummy run before offloading to Rob Hall.  Hall continued the run before releasing debutant Colquitt to score in the corner. 

 

Nottingham reduced the deficit with a Mansell penalty before the hosts stretched their lead to 11 points.  Webster made a strong break before the ball was worked back across to Reeds who made an excellent run through the Moderns defence for a try, which Cheffins converted.

 

Moderns responded with a big drive sending Radford over for a try, which Mansell converted.

 

Lincoln had the final say of the half with Cheffins popping the ball back inside to allow Meanwell to use his pace and run clear for a try.  Cheffins added the extras.

 

Within four minutes of the restart Meanwell raced clear for his second try of the match, which Cheffins converted.

 

Nottingham refused to give up as Andrew Rollings ran in for a simple try before Lincoln again extended their lead.  Nick Middleton passed to Reeds who ran in for his second try, which Cheffins converted.

 

Moderns again reduced the deficit with the ball popping out the scrum for Rollings to run in for a try, which Mansell converted.

 

Meanwell ran in from close range in the final minutes to guarantee Lincoln’s safety in Midlands Three East (North).

 

Saturday 08 March

Lincoln First XV 18

Glossop First XV 23

 

By Joseph Verney

 

A late try from Dan Clark helped Glossop to a 23-18 victory over Lincoln’s First XV.

 

Tries from Brendan Stamford and Jon Murphy put Glossop 18-5 ahead going in at the break, with Lincoln’s only score coming from Jake Williams. 

 

Williams added his second try, and Sam Cheffins slotted over a penalty, before Clark went over to seal the victory for Glossop.  A last minute try from Matt Meanwell was not enough to prevent defeat for Lincoln.

 

Coach Dave Cooper believes the better side won on the day.

 

“We deserved to be beaten, it was a bad day at the office, and we were outplayed by a better team on the day, who played the conditions a lot better than us,” said Cooper.

 

“We need to put this one straight to bed and must turn up next week ready for the cup game at Scunthorpe.

 

“Karl Sibbons made a notable return to first team rugby and Matt Meanwell continues to improve on a weekly basis.”

 

The players were all left disappointed by the result.

 

“It was the same old story, we didn’t play to the conditions again,” said fly half Sam Cheffins.

“I thought we had the ability to win but never really got going and the lads were all really disappointed in the changing rooms.”

 

Flanker George Hudson added:

 

“We held them fairly well in the first half, but didn’t perform in the second and never really got into the game which was disappointing.”

 

Glossop opened the scoring with Andrew Howbatchewskyj converting a penalty from halfway.

 

Lincoln began to pile on the pressure and were almost rewarded when Dave Murphy took a quick tap penalty and raced for the line, but the hooker was tackled a metre short of the line.

 

Howbatchewskyj was off target with his next two penalty attempts while Lincoln lost prop Nick Cook to the sin bin.

 

Glossop soon extended their lead after clever thinking by Howbatchewskyj to run through a gap in the Lincoln defence set up Stamford to run in for a simple try.  Howbatchewskyj added the extras.

 

Lincoln hit back when a clever kick through by Adam Whitwell looked to be going dead only for Williams not to give up the chase and dive on the loose ball for a great try.

 

Lincoln second row Pete Webster left the field injured before Glossop moved further ahead with Murphy going over for a try in the corner.

 

Howbatchewskyj converted a penalty in the final minute of the half to give Glossop an 18-5 lead at halftime.

 

Despite early pressure from Glossop, it was Lincoln who went over for the first score of the second half.  Whitwell broke clear before offloading to Williams to run in for a try.

 

Cheffins slotted over a penalty midway through the half, but Glossop sealed the victory with Clark piling over from close range.  Meanwell shrugged off a tackle before running in for a late consolation try for Lincoln. 

 

 

 

Saturday 01 March

Ilkeston First XV 52

Lincoln First XV 18

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Four tries from Dan Taylor helped Ilkeston to a 52-18 victory over Lincoln’s First XV.

 

A try from Jim Calveley and a penalty from Sam Cheffins put Lincoln 8-7 ahead going in at the break, with Ilkeston’s only score coming from Taylor.

 

Ilkeston ran in five tries in the opening 12 minutes of the second half in the decisive period of the game.  Despite their best efforts, and tries from Rob Redmile and Dave Ferguson, Lincoln were unable to prevent defeat.  

 

Coach Dave Cooper was disappointed with the result, but pleased with the commitment.

 

“I can’t fault the lads for their effort,” said Cooper.

“We had to make changes to the side this morning with Dan Reeds dropping out with illness, so scrum half Tom Johnson stepped in at inside centre.

 

“We normally have 10 minutes of madness, and today Ilkeston scored 31 points in 12 minutes, but we managed to stop the rot and make a game of it.

 

“Despite the conditions, credit must go to both sides for playing good rugby, but Ilkeston were stronger and bigger and as good as any side we have played against all season.”

 

Despite a disappointing result, Cooper picked out the positives in what was a very tough contest.

 

“When they were at the point of scoring tries we managed to put a stop to it and dig deep to score twice and take the game back to Ilkeston,” said Cooper.

“The lads worked tirelessly and their heads never dropped.”

 

Second Row Redmile added:

 

“The result doesn’t tell the true story, apart from a period straight after half time when we went to sleep, we matched them, and we showed real character to fight back and score two late tries.”

 

Lincoln opened the scoring within just two minutes of the kick off when Calveley burst through from the ruck before forcing his way over for a try. 

 

Ilkeston edged in front after 15 minutes when a kick over the top from Alan Cook took an awkward bounce to confuse the Lincoln defence, leaving Taylor to run in for the first of his four tries.  Jonathan Falls added the extras.

 

Cheffins successfully slotted over a penalty to give Lincoln a narrow one point lead, and could have extended their lead in the final minutes of the half but his long distance effort fell short.

 

Lincoln made a positive start to the second half before 12 minutes of madness turned the game on its head.  A brace from Steve Mahoney along with three tries from Taylor gave the hosts a commanding 38-8 lead.  Falls converted three out of five attempts.  

 

Falls went over for and converted his own try before Lincoln responded with two tries in three minutes. 

 

A big drive sent Redmile over for a well deserved score.  Ferguson then ran down the wing and powered past to defenders before diving over for a try.

 

But Ilkeston had the final say with Falls running in for and converting his second try of the match.

 

 

Saturday 09 February

Oakham RFC 1^st XV 3

Lincoln RFC 1^st XV 42

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Lincoln’s First XV returned to winning ways with an excellent six try display against struggling Oakham.

 

Tries from Jim Calveley, Dave Murphy, Ben Cummings and Matt Meanwell put the visitors 28-3 ahead at half time. 

 

A try from Captain Adam Whitwell and a penalty try completed the rout for Lincoln.

 

Coach Dave Cooper believes his side were too strong for Oakham on the day.

 

“I was very pleased overall, but a bit disappointed that we allowed things to get the better of us in the second half and didn’t dominate as much as we should have done,” said Cooper.

 

“In the first half we were far and away the best side and a league apart from Oakham.

 

“The overall improvement and our standard of scrummaging was excellent with Dave Murphy, Alex Bradshaw and Mike Nuttley dominating, and the work rate of Aaron Bird and Rob Redmile in the second row was phenomenal.”

 

Hooker Mike Nuttley added: “In the first half we excelled and finished every given chance, the second half slowed but Lincoln held their nerve to win.” 

 

Oakham put the visitors under pressure early on and deservedly took the lead through a Mark Matthews penalty. 

 

The hosts had a player sent to the sin bin midway through the half, and Lincoln took full advantage with a huge drive sending Calveley over for a try, which Sam Cheffins converted.

 

Lincoln almost extended their lead immediately when Whitwell confused the defence with a dummy before bursting down the wing, but the winger was tackled deep inside Oakham’s half.

 

Murphy crashed over for a try following another massive drive from Lincoln’s forwards. Cheffins successfully converted.

 

Oakham’s best chance fell to Matthews who was tackled 10 metres out after a clever kick and chase.

  

Lincoln increased their lead with two quick tries before the break.

 

Whitwell gathered a loose ball and did well to keep it in play, before releasing Cummings to race clear from halfway for a try, which Cheffins converted. 

 

A quick tap restart from Tom Johnson started an excellent passing move out wide, releasing Meanwell to run 30 metres for a try, Cheffins again converted.

 

Lincoln started the second half with real purpose and almost furthered their lead after three minutes when Jake Williams released Meanwell to run in for a try, only to be disallowed for a forward pass.

 

But the Red & Greens were not to be denied minutes later when quick thinking and an excellent offload from Cummings released Whitwell to run in for a try, which Cheffins converted.

 

Murphy was sent to the sin bin as Oakham began to exert some pressure but Lincoln defended excellently to keep them out.

 

Lincoln earned a penalty try late on, and Cheffins made it six from six as he slotted the conversion over.

 

 

Saturday 19 January

Grimsby First XV 5

Lincoln First XV 12

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Lincoln moved three points clear of danger with a well deserved victory over fellow strugglers Grimsby.

 

Lincoln’s Matt Meanwell, and Grimsby winger Lee Gallagher both crossed for tries as the visitors ended the first half two points in front.

 

Within a minute of the restart Rob Redmile went over for a try, before Kyle Rolfe was dismissed after two yellow cards.  But Lincoln showed great character and determination to hold on.

 

Coach Dave Cooper was delighted with the result.

 

“We had to defend very hard especially after the red card, but we deserved it on the day,” said Cooper.

 

“To be fair to Grimsby they battled for it and didn’t want to roll over and die, but we were the better flowing side on the day.

“I think the lads dug in, and despite the last five minutes on our own line, they were determined to come away with a result and that really showed.”

 

Try scorer Meanwell added: “We didn’t put in what we practiced in training and made hard work of it, but we had more grit and determination.

“The front row were fantastic, and watching from the sideline in the second half, I thought Alex Bradshaw was excellent in the scrums, and everyone gave 100 per cent.”

 

Lincoln opened the scoring after just five minutes with a superb solo effort from Meanwell.  Tom Johnson received the ball from the scrum and offloaded to the winger who made an excellent run up field from his own 22 metre line before cutting inside and dodging past a defender to run in for a try.  Sam Cheffins added the extras.

 

Grimsby started to pile on the pressure and only excellent defending from the Lincoln pack prevented Ian McDonald from crossing the line.

 

Grimsby capitalised on the extra man, following Rolfe’s yellow card, with Gallagher running in for a try.

 

Grimsby’s Alan Oliver was sent to the sin bin late on, as Lincoln went in at half time with a slender two point lead.

 

Lincoln increased their lead after an excellent lineout from Mike Nuttley was well caught by Rolfe who released Redmile to run 15 metres for a well worked try.

 

Grimsby had a chance to reduce the deficit with a penalty in front of the posts, but Callum Hill’s effort went wide.

 

At the other end, Captain Adam Whitwell raced down the wing before releasing Jake Williams only for the full back to be denied by a superb last ditch tackle from Oliver.

 

Rolfe was shown a second yellow card, before Lincoln’s woe continued as Mike Beard was stretchered off with an injury. 

 

Grimsby refused to give up and pushed forward with frequent attacks deep in the opposition half, but Lincoln defended superbly, with Alex Bradshaw in particular showing excellent skills in the scrums as the Red & Greens held on for victory.

 

Saturday 05 January

Lincoln First XV 17

Loughborough First XV 30

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Lincoln started the New Year with a much improved performance despite being beaten by a well drilled Loughborough side.

 

Two tries from Christopher Burbidge and one from Jack Hooper put the visitors 20-0 ahead going in at the break.

 

Burbidge completed his hat-trick either side of a brace from Lincoln’s Mike Beard, before a Virgil Stephens try secured victory for Loughborough.    Captain Adam Whitwell scored a try late on but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.

 

Coach Dave Cooper was pleased with the improved performance by his side.

 

“It was a much improved performance in many areas,” said Cooper.

 

“I feel this Loughborough side is the best they have put out against us for some years and I expect them to finish in the top four, so we have to take credit for running them so close.”

 

“Our scrummaging was reasonably strong, and we did well in line outs.  Mike Beard had one of the best games I have seen him play.”

 

Lincoln full back Jake Williams added: “Everyone played well and we played more as a team than in previous games matching Loughborough for long spells.  It was a much improved performance from 1 to 18.”

 

Loughborough opened the scoring within 30 seconds of the kick off through a Ryan Brind penalty.

 

Lincoln continued to work tirelessly and almost moved in front with a big drive from the forwards but were held up over the line.

 

A big drive from Loughborough put Burbidge over for the first of his three tries.  But Lincoln refused to give up as Williams made superb yards with a huge break up field.

 

 

 

 

Burbidge went over for a try in the corner to increase Loughborough’s lead, and the visitors could have added a second when Aaron Brown burst clear only to be denied by a superb last ditch tackle from Matt Meanwell.

 

Hooper went over for a simple try, which Brind converted, to put the visitors further ahead before the break.

 

Lincoln came out for the second half all guns blazing and hit back within a minute of the restart.  George Hudson superbly charged down the opposition’s clearance leaving Beard to pick up the loose ball and run in for a try.

 The Red & Greens almost scored again a minute later following an excellent run from Meanwell, but the winger was tackled metres short of the line.

 

Brind was sent off for the visitors for striking an opposition player, and Lincoln’s Hudson was sent to the sin bin for retaliating.

 

Burbidge went over in the corner to complete his hat-trick but Lincoln hit back as Beard powered through for his second try of the match, which Sam Cheffins converted.

  

Stephens secured victory for Loughborough with a try late on, but the hosts again hit back as Whitwell ran in for a try from close range after great work from Williams. 

 

Before the match Lincs FM were presented with the new Lincoln Rugby Club 2008 calendar, which is on sale in the club shop for £10.

  

LRFC Photos 1000 Club Presentation to Daniel Metheringham of Branston Ltd.jpg

 

 

Saturday 15 December

Sleaford First XV 27

Lincoln First XV 12

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Sleaford and Lincoln battled out a gruelling local derby with the home side coming out on top with a 27-12 victory.

 

Tries from Andy Daughtrey and Simon Lewis put Sleaford 14-0 ahead going in at the break. 

 

Lincoln hit back with a try from Matt Meanwell, before the hosts extended their lead with a penalty try and eight points from the boot of Player/Coach James Offer.

 

Ed Dalgleish added a try on his first start for the Lincoln, but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.

 

Coach Dave Cooper was left frustrated by the result.

 

“We knew how Sleaford would play but we allowed them to do it,” said Cooper.

 

“When you are on a run of defeats, to dominate a game for 15 minutes and not score points is not good enough, and our mistakes allowed Sleaford back in.

 

“On a positive note, we were lucky to have 18 players available and registered for the game, and to those 18 it’s a big thank you.

 

“They really worked hard and dug in and fought to the final whistle.”

 

Lincoln scrum half Ross Tarnowski feels it was a closely fought contest against his former side.

“In the first 20 minutes we were brilliant and our intensity was cracking, but we started to lose the plot a bit,” said Tarnowski.

“We need to play for the whole 80 like we did for that 20, but considering on Tuesday we were struggling to make a side I think we played well.”

 

Lincoln attacked the Sleaford line straight from the kick off, as they continued to dominate the opening quarter.  But the Red & Greens failed to capitalise on their possession, and it was Sleaford who got the first points on the board. 

 

The visitors were reduced to 14 men as prop Nick Cook was sent to the sin bin, and Sleaford took advantage with a drive sending Daughtrey over for a try, which Offer converted.

 

Dan Reeds, who stood in as captain for the unavailable Adam Whitwell, denied Sleaford a further score with a superb last ditch tackle.  But the hosts weren’t to be denied from the next play as Lewis powered past the Lincoln defence before charging over for a try, which Offer converted to put the Sleaford 14-0 in front going in at the break.

 

Lincoln reduced the deficit within just two minutes of the restart.  Sam Cheffins confused the hosts with an excellent side step and raced through a gap in the Sleaford defence, before setting up Meanwell with a superb long pass, allowing the winger to run in for a well earned try. 

 

Lincoln’s Karl Sibbons was sent to the sin bin before Sleaford increased their lead with a penalty try, which Offer converted.

 

Sleaford had a man sent to the sin bin before the hosts moved further ahead with two penalties from Offer.

 

The visitors’ hard effort soon paid off as Dalgleish crashed over from close range after Kyle Rolfe had been held up a metre short of the line.  Williams added the extras.

 

Reeds was controversially sent to the sin bin late on as Sleaford held on for a much needed victory.

 

With the league season not resuming again until after Christmas, Lincoln must now focus on their NLD Cup match against Spalding on December 22.

 

Sleaford Reaction

Player/Coach James Offer admitted it was the best Sleaford-Lincoln derby he has ever played in. 

 

“Lincoln started really well and were really fired up for it, but we managed to weather the early storm and started to get on top” said Offer.

 

“In the second half Lincoln came out all fired up and Sleaford were again asleep, but we began to gain territory, despite squandering chances, and came out on top.”

 

“It was a good game, Lincoln never gave up, it was a typical Lincoln-Sleaford derby, the best I’ve ever played in, and I’m obviously delighted with the win.”

 

Saturday 01 December

Lincoln First XV 15

West Bridgford First XV 17

 

By Joseph Verney

 

An error strewn second half proved costly as Lincoln suffered a shock 17-15 defeat at the hands of West Bridgford.

 

Tries from Mike Beard and Dan Reeds put Lincoln 12-3 ahead going in at the break, with the visitors’ only response coming from the boot of Dave Watson.

 

Lincoln extended their lead with a Sam Cheffins penalty, but two tries from Andy Pike sealed victory for the visitors with Watson converting both attempts.

 

Coach Dave Cooper was left gutted by the result.

”I am very disappointed, but I can’t fault the players for their effort and commitment but by the end we finished with several walking wounded,” said Cooper.

 

“The game was ours for the taking, and we were winning with 25 minutes to go, but West Bridgford started to play and we made mistakes that cost us.”

 

Scrum half Tom Johnson admitted that the home side made too many mistakes.

 

“We played all the rugby but we made key mistakes in the vital parts, that cost us,” said Johnson.

 

Lincoln started brightly and piled pressure on the visitors straight from the kick off.  But the hosts failed to capitalise on their possession until seven minutes into the game. 

 

An excellent lineout and drive from the Lincoln pack ended with Mike Beard crashing over for a try. 

 

Watson converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but Lincoln remained on top as they continued to attack their opponents’ line.  Johnson was tackled 5 metres from the try line after a great dummy run through the West Bridgford defence.

 

Despite all their possession Lincoln only managed one more score before the break.  Andy Donnor won the ball from the lineout, setting off on a big strong run through the visitors’ defence before an excellent offload set up Reeds to burst clear for a try under the posts.  Adam Whitwell added the extras.

 

Lincoln’s injury woes this season continue as they lost Beard through injury within four minutes of the restart, with Rob Hall and Kyle Rolfe limping off later in the half. 

 

The hosts thought they had furthered their lead when Reeds intercepted a loose pass before racing clear for the line, but his effort was disallowed as he was adjudged to have not grounded the ball properly.  But that didn’t stop Lincoln as they were soon on the attack again.  Cheffins raced for the line only to be tackled a metre short.

 

The visitors began to pressure Lincoln’s line for the first time in the match and it soon paid off as Pike ran in for a try in the corner, which Watson converted.

 

A penalty from Cheffins increased Lincoln’s lead, but West Bridgford hit back with Pike going over for his second try of the match with just five minutes remaining.  Watson added the extras.

 

Lincoln must now focus on getting back to winning ways when they travel to face Sleaford on December 15.

 

Saturday 24 November

Coalville First XV 57

Lincoln First XV 7

 

By Joseph Verney

 

A Michael Richmond hat-trick helped Coalville to a 57-7 victory over Lincoln in what was a tough test for the Red & Greens.

 

A try after 30 seconds from Joe Jardine gave Coalville the perfect start, before a hat-trick from Richmond and a try from Captain Adam White put the hosts further in front. 

 

Lincoln scored a well deserved try before the break through Stand Off Sam Cheffins.  But Russell James, Danny Hickin, Matthew Chamberlain and Matthew Twigg all added second half tries to complete a well deserved victory for Coalville.

 

Coach Dave Cooper admitted that they were beaten by the better team on the day.

“We were well and truly beaten by a far better side on the day,” said Cooper.

“At the end of the day we had patches where we played just as well as them.

 

“But due to the number of changes disrupting the side, as well as not being able to bring a third sub, we looked in large parts as a team not working for each other.”

 

Cooper singled out Jim Calveley and Dan Reeds as Lincoln’s top performers, and Calveley felt consistency let them down on the day.

 

“We played in phases and at times looked like we could match them, but at other times we switched off and played as individuals,” said Calveley.

 

Coalville showed why they are up in second place with some excellent rugby.  But nobody could have expected Jardine’s try after 30 seconds that caught Lincoln totally by surprise.  The kick off seemed to pass everyone allowing Jardine to pick up the loose ball and run in for the simplest of tries.

 

Lincoln were hit with an early blow with second row Pete Webster leaving the field injured two minutes later. 

 

Richmond crossed for two tries to extend Coalville’s lead, with Michael Hodges converting both attempts.

 

Coalville Captain Adam White burst down the wing before shrugging off a tackle from Jake Williams to go over for a try. 

Lincoln started to show positive signs with Calveley making excellent yards with a quick burst up field. 

 

But Coalville responded with another try as Richmond ran in to complete his hat-trick. Hodges converted.

 

Lincoln’s hard work finally paid off as Cheffins found a gap in the Coalville defence before running clear for a try, which Jake Williams converted.

 

 

Lincoln continued to push forward with Matt Meanwell racing down the wing before releasing Calveley but the number eight was tackled metres short of the line.

 

Richmond was sent to the sin bin just before the break, but Lincoln failed to capitalise.

 

Despite playing well for spells of the second half Lincoln conceded a further four tries as they went down by 57 points to 7.

 

Saturday 10 November

Lincoln 1^st XV 18

Sleaford 1^st XV 23

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Sleaford overturned a 13 point deficit to come out on top with a narrow 23-18 victory over local rivals Lincoln at the Lindum.

 

People travelled from as far as Rome and Latvia to watch the game with a huge crowd in attendance.

 

Lincoln Coach Dave Cooper was bitterly disappointed to come away with nothing.

 

“We didn’t do enough in the first half, but to prevent them getting on the score sheet for 40 minutes was excellent, and when we had to defend we defended well,” said Cooper. 

 

“We gifted them massive territory with silly errors in the second half.  But at the end of the day the lads dug in and fought hard, and Paul Clarke and Kyle Rolfe in particular were outstanding.”

 

Lincoln started brightly and went ahead inside the first minute through the boot of Jake Williams.

 

The hosts continued to push forward and pile the pressure on Sleaford and were rewarded when a big drive put Mike Beard over for a try.

 

Sleaford almost reduced the deficit when an interception from Tom Collyer put the winger in clear space.  He looked certain to score a superb solo effort only to be denied by great tackling from Clarke and Williams.

 

Sleaford began to put pressure on Lincoln but the home defence did excellently to sustain the visitor’s attack.

 

The hosts continued to pose a threat in the Sleaford half with Captain Adam Whitwell bursting down the wing only to be tackled metres short of the line.  But Lincoln were not to be denied minutes later with Ben Cummings running in for a try after the ball was recycled quickly out wide.

 

Sleaford Player/Coach James Offer kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit within two minutes of the restart.

 

The visitors looked to have cut the gap further after eight minutes but Louis McQuade’s effort was disallowed because his foot was in touch.

 

Offer converted his second penalty midway through the half to bring his side to within seven points of Lincoln.

 

The scores were soon level as Aston Hodson-Buckley broke through before setting up Offer to run in for an easy score, which Tom Collyer converted.

 

But Lincoln hit back to regain the lead through Whitwell with just ten minutes remaining.  Quick passing from the Lincoln backs released Whitwell to run in for a try in the corner.

 

The visitors levelled the scores with a big Sleaford drive putting Simon Speight over for a try in the corner.

 

Sleaford sealed victory in the final minutes after a huge kick from Collyer put them metres short of the Lincoln line.  From the resulting lineout, a big drive from the Sleaford pack allowed Leo Hunt to scramble over the line for a try.

Sleaford Reaction

 

Sleaford Coach Nathan Smith was delighted with the win and believes his forwards proved the difference against Lincoln. 

 

“I am obviously very happy with the performance, most sides in this league look to have a good home record, so away points are always tough, and to get the two points is fantastic for us,” said Smith.

 

“Three weeks ago we targeted to win the next three games, and we have, so we are really happy as a squad.

 

“The conditions were always going to make the game quite difficult and I think we won a vital toss to play with the wind and the slope in the second half.

 

“At half-time we identified that Lincoln had a heavy front five and if we could get them to run uphill we could capitalise and I think the fitness of our forwards certainly proved to be the difference.”

 

Smith believes the derby victory keeps his side on track for a top four finish.

 

“At the start of the season we identified a top four finish, and obviously this keeps us firmly in the top four, so we are ahead of schedule.”

Player/Coach James Offer limped off in the second half.  His injury will be assessed on Monday, but Smith is not confident about the stand off returning within the next few weeks. 

 

 

Saturday 03 November

Loughborough RFC 40

Lincoln RFC 23

 

By Joseph Verney

 

Lincoln’s First XV paid for their second half errors as they were defeated 40-23 away at Loughborough.

 

Coach Dave Cooper admitted that too many unforced errors cost his side, for what in large parts was a closely fought contest.

 

“Up until five minutes before half time we were winning 11-8 but we gifted them a try just before half time and then again straight after,” said Cooper.

 

“It was not until the last ten minutes of the second half that we pulled ourselves back round and played well.  But for 25 minutes of the second half we had a bad spell and surrendered points cheaply.”

 

“But at the end of the day we were masters of our own downfall.  Whenever we made mistakes Loughborough punished us.”

 

Although Coach Dave Cooper was disappointed by the result, he was proud by the effort put in by his players.

 

“I am not happy with the result but am not displeased with the performance, as we continue to build a good team unit,” said Cooper.

 

“It was a good keenly contested match, and for long spells of the game we were the better side, and it was a very good team performance.”

 

“The front row played very well.  The props, Alex Bradshaw and Mike Pell, had good games, particularly Pell.”

 

“Changes to key areas disrupted us during the game but the subs who came on did a sterling job.”

 

Despite dominating the opening exchanges, Lincoln fell behind to a James Wilson penalty after eight minutes.

 

But Lincoln levelled the scores just two minutes later through the boot of Jake Williams.

 

The hosts edged in front after missed tackles from Lincoln allowed Ben Keast to go over for a try.

 

Lincoln reduced the deficit with another penalty from Williams, before taking the lead through Captain Adam Whitwell.  Williams put a kick through which was initially dealt with by Loughborough, but the defence spilled the ball allowing Whitwell to dive over and force the ball down in the corner.

But mistakes by Lincoln gifted Loughborough two tries in the final minutes of the half.  Winger Jack Hooper went over for the first of his three tries before Ralph Coleman forced his way over to put Loughborough 20-11 up going in at the break.  Wilson converted one out of two attempts.

 

Loughborough punished another Lincoln mistake early on in the second half as Hooper went over for his second try of the match.

 

The hosts had their captain sent to the sin bin and Lincoln capitalised on the extra man with Matt Meanwell racing in for a try in the corner following a long pass from Paul Clarke.

 

Three tries in ten minutes put Loughborough 24 points clear, but Lincoln reduced the deficit with a late consolation try from substitute Martin Kerrigan.  Kerrigan recovered a dropped ball before forcing his way through a tackle to score from 10 metres out.  Williams added the extras.

 

 

 

Saturday 27th October

Lincoln RFC 31

Grimsby RFC 10

 

By Joseph Verney

A superb team performance helped Lincoln to a 31-10 victory over Grimsby, to put them a point above their local rivals in the league table.