Lincoln reduced the deficit after 26 minutes when Kitson offloaded the ball to Keen on the 22 and the Number Eight managed to break through to score a try, which Raynor converted.

Paviors hit back with a further two tries, but Lincoln kept themselves in the match as Kitson set up Keen to crash over for a try on the stroke of half-time.

Raynor added the extras to cut the gap in the score to 33-14 going in at the break.

Lincoln reduced the deficit further within a minute of the restart after a kick got caught in the wind and Kitson was first to it and dropped on the ball to score a try.

Lincoln continued to battle hard and show great character, but unfortunately for the visitors they conceded another two tries which virtually sealed the win for Paviors.

Paviors saw one of their players sent to the sin bin for a high tackle after 64 minutes, but that didn’t stop the hosts from adding two more tries.

Lincoln refused to give up and Craig Finter’s bump and offload set up Chris Smit, who passed to set up Keen to power over for a try and complete his hat-trick as the visitors secured a bonus point. Barrett added the extras.

Lincoln will be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to face Mellish in their final league game of the season on Saturday, April 25.

POST MATCH COMMENT

After the match Lincoln Imps XV captain John Raynor said: “It was a good performance from the lads and we managed to get a bonus point.

“Well done to the Colts who stepped up and all had outstanding performances.

“We regroup in training and work for our last game against Mellish.”