LINCOLN 1ST XV 45
NOTTINGHAM MODERNS 1ST XV 37
COUNTIES 1 MIDLANDS EAST (NORTH)

Finn Daniels produced a second consecutive man-of-the-match performance as Lincoln’s 1st XV completed the league double over Nottingham Moderns with a 45-37 home win.

The young Colt was superb in his first senior start for Lincoln - a 45-7 cup win over Market Rasen last month. He put in another great shift at Longdales Park on Saturday where he also scored his first try for the 1st XV.

Olly Stringer, who captained the 1st XV in the absence of regular skipper Tom Tucker, also crossed for a try for Lincoln and Jack Randell, Leon Hobson-Sheriff, Jake Keeton, Harris Paterson and Ollie Keen each scored one.

Lincoln’s remaining points came via the boot of Isaac Logue who successfully slotted over five conversions.

Lincoln went into the game knowing it could be tough encounter after November’s narrow 22-12 victory and they also lost Matt Keeton to injury in the warm up, but a dominant first half ensured they came out on top.

Moderns opened the scoring after just four minutes when Sam Barre went over for an unconverted try, but it didn’t take Lincoln long to hit back and take the lead.

Randell caught the kick-off and and went back inside, before Lincoln recycled the ball several times to set up a good break by Daniels. Lincoln recycled the ball again and Paterson made good yards before Randell finished the 2-on-1 to score a try. Logue added the extras to edge Lincoln in front.

Lincoln increased their lead with a typical sniping try from Hobson-Sheriff after 12 minutes and the hosts continued to look in control.

After more good play in the opposition 22, Lincoln recycled well and a pick and go around the corner saw Keen crash over for a try, which Logue converted.

Lincoln secured the bonus point with their fourth try shortly after the half hour mark. After loose play by Moderns, the ball popped out of a ruck and Stringer ran in unopposed for a try from just outside the 22.

Moderns reduced the deficit with an unconverted try from Connor Hood, but it was Lincoln who ended the first half strongest with another two tries.

Lincoln kicked long before a mistake by Moderns handed the ball back to the hosts and Archie Tagg crashed through three tackles. The ball was then swung out wide to Charlie Over, who was held up just short of the line.

But there was no denying Lincoln as a Gregan ball set up Jake Keeton to power over for a try, which Logue converted.

With the last play of the half Lincoln kicked a penalty to the corner. After a strong lineout move, Lincoln played all the way to the other flank, and good simple hands saw Jake Keeton set up Paterson for a try in the corner.

Logue successfully slotted over the conversion as Lincoln took a commanding 38-10 lead in at the break.

Moderns reduced the deficit within five minutes of the restart as they were awarded a penalty try after a high tackle by Over, who was sent to the sin bin.

Lincoln soon reestablished their dominance and scored their seventh try of the afternoon.

After kicking long and turning over at the ruck, Daniels crashed through the middle and broke the line. Daniels then popped the ball out to Hobson-Sheriff before receiving it back and fending off all of the cover defence to score a great try. Logue added the extras.

Lincoln then lost some players to injury which began to take its toll, and great credit to Moderns who refused to give up and managed to run in four tries from Hood, Josh Levenstien, Connor Dixon, and Barre to cut the gap in the score.

It didn’t stop Lincoln from running out deserved winners and Matt Mcclurg’s men will be looking to make it back-to-back league victories when they travel to Mellish on Saturday, March 14.

POST MATCH COMMENT

After the match Lincoln’s 1st XV Head Coach Matt Mcclurg said: “In the first 40 minutes it was great to see everything we are working on. When it clicks, it really clicks at Lincoln with some really fast, attractive rugby and good speed at the breakdown.

“We had a couple of injuries after half-time that knocked us back, but credit to Moderns who are a great club and good to play against.

“We’d done enough in the first 50 minutes to see the game out and it was a great bonus point win.

“I’m looking forward to playing Mellish on Saturday and continuing our good form before a cup clash at Spalding the week after.”

McClurg added: “Finn Daniels, Ollie Keen, Jack Randell, and Loz Few all had standout performances, Finn especially with his second consecutive man-of-the-match award.”