Finn Clements and Zane Redfern, who played with Barrett for the club’s Colts last season, were also among the try scorers, while Max Adams and Charlie Bargh also performed well, as the strength of Lincoln’s youth system was once again highlighted.

Harris Paterson grabbed a brace of tries and Olly Stringer, Tom Mooney, Josh Corcoran, Jack Randell, Laguna ‘Pita’ Fisiihoi, and debutant Harry Kitson each scored one.

Lincoln’s remaining points came via the boot of Richie Dixon, who successfully slotted over 12 conversions.

Lincoln put pressure on Ashby straight from the kick-off and didn’t let the opposition out of the 22 before Grant Cowe forced a turnover. The ball was then spun into the centres and Mooney broke through a couple of tackles to run in for a try under the posts, which Dixon converted.

The hosts soon scored again after great work by Corcoran who broke through numerous tackles to take the ball over the game line. Corcoran then managed to pop the ball off to Cowe, who set up the supporting Stringer to run in for a try. Dixon added the extras.

Lincoln continued to play positive attacking rugby as Ollie Keen made a great break into the 22. Although Ashby soon forced a turnover, it didn’t take Lincoln long to win the ball back.

After some good forward carries, the ball came out to Josh White who popped it back inside to Corcoran, who broke through a few tackles to go over for a try, which Dixon converted.

Lincoln then broke out from their own half before a couple of knock ups by the pods saw the ball spread out wide to Barrett, who set up Clements to run in for a try under the posts. Dixon added the extras.

More knock ups by the forwards saw Lincoln make great ground before the ball was spun out wide to Barrett, who stepped inside and cause havoc for the Ashby defence. Barrett then chipped the ball over the top after being hit late, and Randell caught it well to go over for a try.

Lincoln were soon in again after Cowe secured a good turnover and the ball was spun wide to Pete Usher, who passed outside for Barrett to run in for his first try of the afternoon. Dixon added the extras.

Ashby managed a consolation try late in the first half as Lincoln took a commanding 40-5 lead in at the break.

Lincoln moved further in front inside the opening minute of the second half. Ashby’s kick-off didn’t go 10 and a strong scrum by Lincoln left a gap for Barrett to run in for a try, which Dixon converted.

Several slick offloads saw the ball arrive with Stringer, who in turn set up Redfern to go over for a try. Dixon added the extras.

More great play by Lincoln saw them knock it up through the centres with Cowe and captain Tom Tucker, and Bargh on the outside, who tried to throw a pass out wide. It went to ground, but was picked up by Paterson, who sidestepped his way past a defender to run in for a try to the right-hand side of the posts, which Dixon converted.

Good support play by Lincoln again saw them hit it through the centres. Adams and Bargh combined to set up Barrett, who ran in for a try under the posts to complete his hat-trick. Dixon added the extras.

Ashby finally got their second try of the afternoon when a driving scrum saw them crash over the line to score.

Lincoln were soon back in control and, after a couple of strong forward carries, debutant Harry Kitson ran in for a try just to the right-hand side of the posts, which Dixon converted.

Stringer then went on a good run and, just as he was caught by the Ashby winger, he popped the ball off to Fisiihoi and the powerful Tongan forward went over for a try just to the right-hand side of the posts. Dixon added the extras.

Lincoln completed the scoring with another breakaway try. Good interplay down the wing between Barrett and Paterson saw the latter run in for a try, which Dixon converted.

The result sees Lincoln finish seventh in the league table and they will be hoping to end the season on a high when they face Mellish in the NLD Shield Final at Ashfield Rugby Club on May 16.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln’s 1st XV Head Coach Matt Mcclurg said: “Last home game of the season - the weather was great, we had a great week preparing and it went all to plan.

“Our quick start, the physicality and offloading play was too much for Ashby to handle. We dominated in the ruck and the backs attacking the 13 channel was the game plan, which we executed well.

“It rained tries, but credit to Ashby they didn’t give up and got on the scoreboard when a lack of focus from us in defence allowed them in to pounce.

“At half-time the message was simple, stick to the basics and continue to play rugby.

“A good one for the spectators and a strong end to the season. The standouts were Grant Cowe, Toby Barrett, Olly Stringer and Finn Clements.

“I want to thank all the coaching staff, players, physios, and club house team for a good end to the season and for all their support through this campaign.

“My first year here and pretty much a transition period with players going out and new players coming in. It’s been great to work with all the players - 1s, 2s, and 3s.

“We are still very early into a plan and that plan will be bolstered in the coming weeks with new signings and more depth for the league season next year.

“I would also like to thank Niall Thomson as he departs as DoR. I wish him the very best in the future.

“But as for now, we have just under three weeks to prepare for the NLD Shield against Mellish. We hope to take a big following to Ashfield and we will be doing all we can to bring home the cup.”

 Lincoln’s 1st XV captain Tom Tucker said: “I am really happy with the performance. We have all bought into some new systems and they are paying off.

“It is a fantastic way to end the league season and credit to the lads and all the coaching staff for their efforts this season.

“We now have a couple of weeks prep ready for the Shield Final against Mellish and hopefully we can end the season with silverware.”