Club stalwart David Beveridge was among the try scorers as table-topping Lincoln Imps XV came from behind to secure a hard-fought 22-19 win away against Paviors.

Sam Jones, Brandon Hogan and Freddie Wright also scored tries for Lincoln while Jack Miles successfully slotted over one conversion.

Lincoln didn’t have it all their own way and fell behind 12-0 after Paviors crossed for two tries inside the opening 20 minutes of the match.

The visitors reduced the deficit when a great move from the backs created width to set up Jones. Jones then brushed off the defender to run in for a try in the corner as Lincoln trailed 12-5 going in at the break.

Lincoln levelled the score within eight minutes of the restart following excellent work from the forwards in their 22 with multiple phases of defence.

The ball then went to Beveridge, who offloaded for Hogan on a great line to run in unopposed for a try, which Miles converted.

Lincoln took the lead for the first time in the match shortly before the hour mark. After a strong lineout and great forward play, and several phases, Wright powered his way over for an unconverted try.

The visitors extended their lead 11 minutes from time when a driving maul from a lineout was finished by Beveridge.

Paviors reduced the deficit to just three points with a converted try in the closing stages of the match.

Instead of Paviors snatching something from the game, it was Lincoln who very nearly added to their lead at the death, but Miles’ try was disallowed for crossing.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln Imps XV Coach Dave Rose-Allen said: “I was really pleased with our performance. We knew that it was going to be a really tough game against a very good team, who lost two games last season and missed out on promotion.

“Paviors started well and looked the better team for the first 40 minutes.

“The lads really showed up in the second half though and showed grit and great resilience.

“I’m really happy with the lads and the respect and support that they show each other. We look forward to Horncastle on Saturday.”

Lincoln Imps XV captain John Raynor said: “We knew it was going to be a hard game as Paviors have only lost two in 15.

“The first 40 minutes was scrappy from us and we were forcing play, but the second half is when we got into our stride. The forwards were the driving force and what a shift they put in.

“Throughout, we all played for each other and it was a team effort. Up the Imps.”