Chris Smith grabbed a brace of tries as Lincoln’s 3rd XV battled hard in a 33-19 loss at home against Ollerton Hoods, which was only their first defeat of the season.

Ben Stringer also scored a try in his first home game back after a long-term injury, while Kodi Strand and Ollie Jorden each kicking one conversion.

Lincoln went into the game sitting at the top of the league but their Nottinghamshire opponents, who have now taken over at the summit, scored two tries to take an early 12-0 lead.

Lincoln hit back with a well-worked try after a lot of strong forward carrying and great pod work saw Strand set up Stringer to go over for a try.
 Strand successfully slotted over the conversion to cut the gap in the score to 12-7 going in at the break.
 Ollerton were first to score in the second half, but Lincoln refused to give up and soon reduced the deceit to seven points. After a good lineout and maul move, Smith powered over for his first try of the afternoon.

Ollerton moved back in front with another try, but Lincoln battled back to once again make it a seven-point deficit.

Off the back of a scrum, Ewan Hanson passed to Jorden, who in turn set up Strand and the full-back went on a winding run.

Strand then offloaded for Holliday who went on a great run and stepped the winger. As he powered towards the Ollerton full-back, he offloaded for Smith to run in for a try, which Jorden converted.

Going into the final 10 minutes, it was still all to play for but, unfortunately for Lincoln, Ollerton scored the decisive try to stop any hopes of a comeback.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln’s 3rd XV Team Manager Tom Wilson said: “There were some real moments of brilliance from the lads and plenty of positives to take from the performance.

“Unfortunately, we struggled to put those moments together consistently enough to really make them count.

“Credit to Ollerton, who took their chances when they came. We’ll take the lessons from Saturday and regroup and look to put a more complete performance together next time out.”

Lincoln’s 3rd XV captain Daz Rorie said: “We brought a big strong squad. We could’ve done a lot better with ball in hand, but overall I am happy with the performance.

“I am looking forward to the return leg against Ollerton in a few weeks (November 28).”