LINCOLN 1ST XV 35
MELLISH 1ST XV 21
NLD SHIELD FINAL

Lincoln’s 1st XV ended their season on high with silverware after scoring four tries in a hard-fought 35-21 victory in the NLD Shield Final against Mellish at Ashfield Rugby Club.

Lincoln and Mellish had already battled out two close games in the league this season, with Matt Mcclurg’s men coming out on top on both occasions - 31-26 in November 2025 and 31-29 in March this year. And they made it a hat-trick of victories with another big performance on Saturday.

Josh Corcoran, Luke Brodrick, Finn Daniels and Jack Randell all scored tries for Lincoln, while Isaac Logue successfully slotted over three conversions and three penalties.

Lincoln opened the scoring after good pod work in midfield and a tip on over the top with Corcoran outside the defender. The powerful flanker showed great pace as he drove towards the line to score a try just to the right-hand side of the posts, which Logue converted.

Mellish tried to play it out of their half, but a great tackle by Archie Tagg followed by a fantastic turnover from Laguna ‘Pita’ Fisiihoi earned a penalty for Lincoln. Logue continued his confident performance with the boot to slot over the penalty.

Soft defence by Lincoln allowed Mellish’s prop to go over for a try in the corner before Lincoln moved further in front via another penalty from Logue.

Lincoln were reduced to 14 men when Randell received a yellow card for a high tackle.

Later in the half, the game was stopped due to a head injury to a Mellish player. Once play resumed, Mellish put pressure on in Lincoln’s 22 before eventually scoring a try just to the right-hand side of the posts.

Mellish added the conversion to take a narrow 14-13 lead in at the break.

Lincoln regained their lead in the second half after another high tackle saw them awarded a penalty, which Logue once again slotted over.

A couple of forward pick and go moves then led to Mellish’s weight advantage pushing them over for a try as the Nottinghamshire side snatched the lead.


Mellish were then reduced to 14 players after receiving a yellow card for a high tackle and Lincoln soon took advantage of having the extra man.

After another penalty, Lincoln moved the ball quickly through the hands before Tagg set up Brodrick on the wing, who cut inside to run in for a try to the right-hand side of the posts to level the score.

Lincoln were in determined mood and after several pick and go moves Finn Daniels powered over for a try, which Logue brilliantly converted from the touchline.

With only one score in it, the next try was going to prove crucial and it went the way of Lincoln after a well-planned move.

The ball was fired out by Corcoran straight behind Tagg and into Randell’s hands, and the young winger ran in for a try and added flair with a swan dive as he finished the move. Logue added the extras.

Mellish started to put more pressure on in the 22, but Lincoln defended hard to keep them out, even after losing Charlie Bargh to a yellow card.

More great defence by Lincoln then saw Ollie Keen produce a superb steal on the floor to win possession back for his team.

Mellish tried to push forward and, after a lineout, they went through the pod system in the middle. However, in the final play a great tackle by Tagg, followed by another big turnover from Fisiihoi, ended the match and sparked celebrations for Lincoln.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln’s 1st XV Head Coach Matt Mcclurg said: “What a great day for our club - we had a really good camp prepping for the final and the whole squad need a mention.

“We started the game well and set out our stall - the attitude and physicality was dominant and we wanted to take the game to Mellish.

“A slight blip in the middle, but I always felt that if we stuck to our game plan we would get the result. 1-20 all played their part.

“I just want to take the time to thank all the players and coaches along with all the Lincoln backroom staff for all their support and hard work - the success of the cup is down to the team working together in this big cog.

“My first year here is now complete, silverware in the cabinet, but it’s only the start - a big pre-season ahead, hard work to be done, some new signings and additions to the coaching team to be announced soon. Exciting times at Lincoln.”

Lincoln’s Forwards Coach Jon Webster said: “The lads played very well especially being a physical game and they kept to the structure and performed well under pressure.

“Some standout performances through the team led by Archie tag in the centres.

“It was a fitting end to a successful season to show how far the squad and club have come and getting ready for an exciting next year.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV captain Tom Tucker said: “A great end to the season. I’m really happy with the result.

“Credit to the performance of all the lads. We were resilient, stuck to our game plan and executed in all aspects of the game.

“We were fierce in attack and defence, which proved too much in the end for Mellish.

“Great to end the season with some silverware. I would like to thank all the coaches and all the lads for their commitment and efforts this season. Now time to rest the bodies and then come back ready for next season.”