Lincoln Colts paid tribute to a former teammate and friend as they began the new season with a 47-15 win away against local rivals Market Rasen in the Sam Staple Memorial Shield.

Ethan Morris crossed for a hat-trick, Finn McKenna grabbed a brace, and kick four conversions, while Rowan Tallentire and Kieron Fields also scored tries for the visitors.

The game took place nearly two years since Sam sadly lost his life and the team did him proud with their performance, led by his close friend James Budgen who was asked captain the side.

Lincoln opened the scoring when a scrum and strong running set up an overlap on the outside leaving a gap for Fields, who stepped inside and ran in for a try.

A tap and go penalty then caught Rasen napping and Ethan Morris ran in for a try, which Finn McKenna converted.

Lincoln were growing in confidence and, after working it really well to the left, good support play kept the ball alive in the tackle and Rowan Tallentire went over for a try.

McKenna added the extras to give Lincoln a strong 19-0 lead at the break.

McKenna was soon involved again after the restart when he took advantage of a loose kick from Rasen and stepped several players before running in for a great try, which he also converted.

Rasen reduced the deficit when a lineout and maul move set up a 2-on-1 and an unconverted try for the hosts.

Another lineout and maul move secured the ball for Rasen, who broke left before going over for their second try of the match.

Lincoln soon resumed control of the game as Bashar Elsakka took advantage of a loose ball and made a break before setting up Morris to run in for a try. McKenna added the extras.

Rasen kept battling hard and a move through the hands saw them muscle themselves through for an unconverted try.

Lincoln ended the game on top with a further two tries. After a scrum and moving the ball through the hands, McKenna took on, and beat, several players to score a try outside of the left-hand post, which also converted.

A quick tap penalty, and quick-thinking by Fin Dolan, then saw Lincoln move the ball outside. After winning the ball at the breakdown, the visitors sucked in Rasen’s defence before Morris carried around the outside to touch the ball down for a try to complete his hat-trick. McKenna successfully slotted over the conversion.

POST MATCH COMMENT

After the match Lincoln Colts Head Coach Chris Briggs said: “A great first game away at our neighbours, and I’m really pleased for the lads that all the hard work they’ve put in during pre-season was rewarded with a win.

“The game was particularly special as it was played in memory of Sam, who many of the lads from both teams knew well, either through rugby or school.

“The minute’s applause was observed with great respect by both teams, and that respect continued throughout the game.

“Overall, I’m really happy with the performance. There’s plenty for us to work on, as there always is after the first game, but it was a positive performance, a great team effort and a brilliant start to the season.”

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