SPALDING 1ST XV 31
LINCOLN 1ST XV 35
COUNTIES 1 MIDLANDS EAST (NORTH)/NLD SHIELD SEMI-FINAL
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH BARTLETT

Lincoln Colts Max Adams, Charlie Bargh and man-of-the-match Finn Clements all produced fantastic performances as the 1st XV booked their place in the NLD Shield Final, and gained five league points, with a 35-31 victory at Spalding.

Grant Cowe, who was also one of Lincoln’s standout performers, Matt Keeton, Olly Stringer, Toby Barrett and Adams all scored tries for the visitors.

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

Sam Booth grabbed a brace of tries for Spalding and Jack Bowser, Ash Anker and Charlie Beecham each scored one, while Willis Ingleby added three conversions.

Lincoln went into the match, which was a league and cup double header, looking to avenge December’s 33-24 defeat and they put in a much-improved performance this time around.

Lincoln were playing against the wind in the first half and were nearly undone by a Spalding kick through, but they managed to chase back to put the ball down for a goal-line drop out.

Spalding continued to attack, but Archie Tagg led the defensive line excellently and put in a big hit to push the opposition players back.

However, Lincoln could not stop the hosts from opening the scoring when a kick over the top bounced into the hands of Booth, who ran in for a try, which Ingleby converted.

Lincoln responded quickly with a great midfield break from vice-captain Josh Pearson and, after a couple of offloads, Cowe followed through and sat the full-back down to power over for a try under the posts. Logue added the extras.

From the restart, Tagg produced a really powerful carry to break through tackles before he was eventually brought down inside the opposition 22.

Lincoln then took the lead after a good break and interchange saw Bargh run down the wing before passing inside to Adams on the 22, who ran in for a try on his first start for the 1st XV. Logue slotted over the conversion.

The visitors continued to grow in confidence and a great break by Cowe set up Stringer, who outpaced the Spalding full-back to go over for a try just to the left-hand side of the posts to cap his great performance.

Logue added the extras to give Lincoln a 21-7 lead going in at the break.

Ollie Keen, who scored a hat-trick for Lincoln Imps XV last weekend and had come off the bench to replaced the injured Pearson, soon put in a big hit, but Spalding managed to make it on the outside to score a try in the corner.

Lincoln responded with their fourth try to secure the bonus point when Adams caught a lineout and a full 15-man lineout ensued, which ended in Matt Keeton crashing over for a try, which Logue converted.

Spalding reduced the deficit and a crossfield kick by Logue was intercepted by Bowser, who ran the full length of the pitch to score a try under the posts, which Ingleby converted.

Some soft defence by Lincoln allowed Spalding to continue their comeback and, after the visitors conceded multiple penalties, Anker span and scored to the left of the posts. Ingleby added the conversion.

Not long after the kick-off, Spalding broke the line and Beecham ran in for an unconverted try to put the hosts into the lead late on.

A determined Lincoln regained their composure and put more pressure on Spalding in the closing stages of the match. A good carry by Cowe saw him power through several players before Lincoln went wide to set up Barrett to run in for the match-winning try, which Logue converted.

Lincoln will face Ashby at home in their final league game of the season on April 25, before the cup final against Mellish (at Ashfield Rugby Club) on May 16.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln’s 1st XV Head Coach Matt Mcclurg said: “We knew going into this game that we were in for a tough afternoon - with the fixture a double header it was more important than a normal league fixture, with a pass to the NLD Finals day up for grabs.

“We had prepped really well all week and set up a game plan to play off the front foot and really spoil Spalding’s play. This worked great for 60 minutes of the game and we really set the platform.


“Everything that we asked for in the set up - big carries, big tackles and strike plays - were executed really well, so well done to all the coaches and players.

“Credit to Spalding, they pushed us all the way, but we showed complete determination to get the result - that never say die attitude that possibly had been missing in the latter stages of the Loughborough game.


“Standouts were Grant Cowe, Max Adams and Charlie Bargh, Olly Stringer stepped up and man-of-the-match Finn Clements shored up the midfield after losing Archie Tagg to injury early on.

“We now look forward to finishing the league season at home with Ashby before prepping for the NLD Finals. A great weekend for the club.”

Lincoln's Forwards Coach Jon Webster said: "The lads played really well in the first half with hard carries and good support lines. The young Colts coming through didn't look out of place and really help drive on the team."

Lincoln’s 1st XV captain Tom Tucker said: “I am really happy with the performance from the lads.


“A few changes to set piece and game plan this week at training worked well for us.


“We shoed great resilience and work rate going down in the final five to coming back and winning the double header.

“I am really happy too with the young lads who are stepping up and starting to make a name for themselves in a first team jersey.

“Fantastic win and now we move onto our final league game at home against Ashby before the cup final. A great way to end the season.”


Spalding Chairman John Constable said: “Lincoln had the best of a close encounter and I wish them well in the NLD Shield Final.

“It was an open game as befitted the dry firm conditions - a strong breeze made accurate passing and kicking difficult.

“Lincoln gained revenge for their home defeat in December.”