|
Match Report
UNDER 14s NLD CUP SEMI FINAL Lincoln Under-14s 5 Nottingham Under-14s 43 By Joseph Verney A hat-trick from Ross Walker-Smart helped Nottingham to a 43-5 victory over Lincoln and a place in April’s NLD Cup Final against Derby. George Woodcock put Lincoln ahead early on before Nottingham hit back with three tries before halftime. Lincoln made a positive start to the second half, but Nottingham came out on top with a further four converted tries.
Under-14s coaches Phil Cooke and Mike Sinclair remained positive about the performance.
“We didn’t quite play to our ability because Nottingham were a very good side, but all the lads tried hard and I can’t fault their efforts and we will be back bigger and better next year,” added Sinclair. Lincoln opened the scoring after just two minutes when quick recycling through the backs released Woodcock to race clear for an excellent try. Dan Wilkinson ran in for a try four minutes later to level the scores, before Alistair Plant went over for a try to edge Nottingham in front. Lincoln were putting together some good moves but fell further behind as Walker-Smart fed an excellent dummy before racing clear for a try to put Nottingham 15-5 ahead going in at the break. Lincoln started the second half with real purpose. George Kendall gathered the kick off before sprinting clear deep into Nottingham’s half only to be tackled into touch just short of the line. Despite excellent attacking pressure from Lincoln, Nottingham were next on the score sheet. Walker-Smart raced clear from the scrum before offloading to Jack Partington to run in from close range. Matt Burrows added the extras. Lincoln lost James Lendon to injury before Will Norton ran in for a try, which Burrows converted, to increase Nottingham’s lead.
09 December Lincoln 27 Doncaster 24 By Mike Sinclair A game a 2 halves - One to forget, one to remember ! Greeted by surprisingly fair weather, Lincoln U14’s anticipated a tough game against Doncaster (whose senior side is in Division 1 – just a step below the Premiership itself). Doncaster lived up to their promise in the first half and scored freely amassing a 0 - 24 lead at half time. Ross Cooke was under a lot of pressure in the first half and unfortunately had to go off injured, and David Hill, who is normally a Fly Half, did an excellent job deputising in his place. Coach Phil Cooke roused the Lincoln team at the half time team talk. It cannot be reported exactly what he said but it must have been good as Lincoln came out fighting (not literally !) in the second half. Now playing down the hill, a determined effort all round saw Lincoln much faster to the loose ball and much more determined in the tackle. Almost immediately this was rewarded with a try in the corner for George Kendall (his third in 2 weeks – not bad for a beginner !). Lincoln kept the pressure up with a try from Oliver Jones, a hat trick of tries from Captain Angus Sinclair and a conversion from Hill which allowed them to squeeze home for a 27 – 24 win. Special mention must go to all of the forwards, especially the back row where James Lendon put in a truly exceptional effort. His efforts should have been rewarded with a try which was ruled out by the referee as being held up. The backs defended well in the second half, with Chris Dobson excelling in leading the backs which included David Oh making his club rugby debut and a welcome return for Alistair Hewitt. Thanks must also go to the referee, Richard Lendon, who allowed an open game and a great contest. The final result was pleasing after a great second half performance, but Lincoln must count themselves lucky that Doncaster didn’t batten down the hatches after a first half which they dominated. It was an exciting match all round, but as Coach Mike Sinclair pointed out, “We could do with a bit less excitement sometimes – a better start to matches will pay dividends all round!” 18 November Lincoln 17 Deepings 12 By Joseph Verney Two tries from winger George Woodcock helped Lincoln’s Under-14s book their place in the semi final of the NLD Cup. The Under-14s battled to a 17-12 victory over Deeepings in a closely fought contest, and now wait to find out who they will play on semi final weekend in March. Coach Phil Cooke was delighted with the result. “Apart from ten minutes at the start of the second half we controlled the game and thoroughly deserved the victory,” said Cooke. “It was hard work and not the kind of day for flamboyant rugby but all the boys dug deep and did create some good scoring chances.” Despite very wet and muddy conditions, the hosts started brightly with a great pass and move putting Woodcock over for his first try of the match. Lincoln continued to push forward with an excellent drive putting James Lendon over for a try. Dan Charles added the conversion. Harry Wells went over for a try to reduce the deficit, but Lincoln piled forward and continued to dominate the half. Deepings levelled the scores early on in the second half with Adam Fox running in for a try, which David Cooper converted. But Lincoln had the final say as the ball was recycled quickly by the backs with Chris Dobson finally releasing Woodcock to race clear down the wing. Woodcock shrugged off the defender before going over for a try.
Lincoln: Keeton, Sinclair (Capt.), Harper, Espin, Earl, Lendon, Feeney, Parker, Cooke, Hill, Thorpe, Charles, Dobson, Woodcock, White. Subs: Turner, Farrow, Farrar, Price 04th November Nottingham 46 Lincoln 12
By Adele Espin It was with some trepidation that Lincoln U14s travelled to meet a Nottingham side boasting at least 5 NLD players and a reputation to regularly amass 50 plus points. As a result of a number of last minute withdrawals and the absence of 2 regulars representing Lincolnshire Lincoln started the game with only 16 available players. After a delayed kick off time Lincoln kicked off and immediately took the game to Nottingham pinning them into their own half with some excellent forward play, quick recycling of the ball and a number of positive breaks by both the forwards and backs. Lincolns promising start lead to them taking a deserved lead after more positive forward play, and a strong carry by Rob Espin was stopped just short of the line however quick recycling of the ball allowed Angus Sinclair to drive over in the corner for the first score of the game. 5 – 0 From the restart Nottingham looked to recover from Lincolns positive opening and to move the ball out through their strong three-quarter line. However Lincoln continued their excellent start and ensured that Nottingham were initially unable to breakthrough. Nottingham eventually levelled the scores when a Lincoln clearance into the Nottingham half was collected by Nottingham’s excellent full back who managed to evade the on rushing cover to burst down the touchline to score in the corner. 5-5 Despite this setback, from the kick off Lincoln again took the game to Nottingham keeping them in their own half for a number of phases. Lincoln deservedly regain the lead when a good passage of play involving both backs and forwards lead to Chris Dobson breaking through the Nottingham line only to be high tackled in the process of crossing the try line. The referee correctly awarding a Penalty try which was converted from in front of the posts. 12 – 5 At this stage Nottingham probably realised that Lincoln posed more of a challenge that they had encountered so far this season. Within a few minutes of the restart they scored their second try when they managed to move the ball out wide ending with a another positive run along the touchline evading covering tackles. For the remainder of the first half there was little to separate to two teams in terms of territory as both sides tried to impose themselves on the game. Nottingham varied their tactic of moving the ball wide along the three-quarters by using their other strength of effective kicking over the Lincoln defensive line and therefore recovering ground gained by Lincoln’s hard work. This variation of tactics lead to Nottingham scoring a further 3 unanswered tries (2 converted) before the half time break. The teams went into the half time break with Nottingham holding was a somewhat flattering 29-12 lead. The second half opened with neither side able to dominate for any sustained period with solid defence from both sides negating any potential breaks. Despite Lincoln continuing to hold a slight edge in the forward play Nottingham’s undoubted potential in their three- quarters always posed a threat to Lincoln out wide. As the second half progressed Nottingham were able to introduce “fresh legged” replacements a luxury Lincoln were unable to match due to having only one replacement available. As a result Nottingham were able to run 3 further unanswered tries due to a combination of crucial missed tackles by an understandably tiring defence and the fortunate bounce of the ball which allowed the Nottingham full back to recover his own kick ahead and score under the posts. Despite their tiring legs Lincoln managed to cross the Nottingham line for what would have been a deserving consolation when, after a forceful break by James Lendon was stopped just short of the line, Angus Sinclair picked up to cross the line only for the referee to rule that he had lost control of the ball as he attempted to ground it. Final Score Nottingham 46 Lincoln 12. At the final whistle spectators and coaches from both sides praised the efforts of both teams in a game that was an excellent advert for the skills and commitment at U14 level, and which was played in the right spirit by both sides. Whilst understandably disappointed by the final margin all the Lincoln players should be proud of their contribution to an outstanding game. The forwards played with great commitment throughout the game and undoubtedly had the edge over the Nottingham pack. The three-quarters moved the ball effectively throughout the game and on more than one occasion broke the Nottingham line with intelligent runs taking the ball at speed from good angles. Despite a couple of costly missed tackles at crucial times the tackling throughout the match was excellent with on more than one occasion the strong running Nottingham back line being halted and driven back as a result of crunching tackles. Nottingham are, without doubt, likely to be one of the strongest team that Lincoln will meet throughout the season. Such was the commitment and contribution of all the players involved it would be unfair to single out any individual for praise above any others. As the season has progressed the technique, skill and commitment shown by all members of the squad has improved immensely and we look forward to returning to winning ways in forthcoming home fixtures against Mellish next week and Deepings the following week, in our Cup Group decider.
14th October Mansfield 5 Lincoln 52 “ James Lendon grabbed two tries, with good displays by both centres Dan Charles and Chris Dobson. In the forwards, Matt Keaton, John Feeney, Angus Sinclair and Josh Porter were singled out for their displays |
