PAVIORS COLTS 29
LINCOLN COLTS 14
NATIONAL CUP
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: KIRSTY DUNN

Lincoln Colts pushed Paviors all the way in a hard-fought game which ended in a 29-14 defeat in the National Cup.

Paviors started well and scored two tries to open up a 12-0 lead, but Lincoln refused to give up and battled their way back into the game.

Lincoln reduced the deficit after being awarded a penalty on 25 minutes. A hard carry from Dylan A saw the ball moved out to Finn M, who found in gap in the defence to run in for a try. Isaac T successfully slotted over the conversion.

Paviors hit back with a try from a penalty wide out on the right as Lincoln trailed 17-7 at the break.

Although Paviors added a further two tries to ultimately secure their victory, Lincoln worked tirelessly and scored a great, and well-deserved, team try.

Ethan M broke to the right and beat a couple of defenders before finding Finn M, who ran past a few more opposition players. Good support play by Lincoln’s forwards made sure the ball was secured before a pick and go around the corner by Hugh D saw him ran through a hole in the defence to score. Isaac T added the extras.

POST MATCH COMMENT

After the match Lincoln Colts Head Coach Chris Briggs said: “We looked a lot sharper from the off, shrugging off the apathy of last week and looking much more focused and purposeful.

“We know Paviors are a strong team, and I’m really pleased that the work we’ve been putting into our defence showed through.

“Strong tackling and competitive jackalling kept us within touching distance of the hosts, and when we got on the front foot, we were able to generate some good go-forward.

“Overall, our discipline was good, although we did get on the wrong side of the referee a couple of times, picking up two yellow cards and ultimately finishing the game with 14 players.

“Our run in this season’s National Cup is now over, and we wish Paviors the very best of luck in the next round.

“That said, I believe that with a little more confidence and belief, we can get the better of Paviors when we return to Burnt Stump on Friday (October 9) for the NLD Cup.”