PAVIORS COLTS 20
LINCOLN COLTS 21
NLD CUP - ROUND 1
BY JOSEPH VERNEY
PHOTO CREDIT: KIRSTY DUNN

Lincoln started their NLD Cup campaign in style by gaining revenge on Paviors with a hard-fought 21-20 victory in Nottinghamshire.

Less than a week before Lincoln lost 29-14 away against the same opponents in the National Cup and they were determined to put things right, with tries from Evan K, Ethan M and Dylan A, and three conversions from Isaac T ensuring victory.

Lincoln opened the scoring after a chip and chase put Evan K in for a try, which Isaac T converted.

Lincoln moved further in front after being awarded a penalty for offside. Quick ball to the first pod led to fast hands through the backs to put Ethan M in for a try in the corner, which superbly converted from the touchline.

Paviors reduced the deficit after a lineout led to continued pressure on Lincoln’s try line. The hosts eventually found their through to score an unconverted try as Lincoln took a 14-5 lead in at the break.

Lincoln extended their advantage after a series of good runs, and several players offloading out of the tackle, set up a try for Dylan A, which Isaac T converted.

A quick tap penalty saw Paviors run in for their second try of the match.

Both sides enjoyed good spells of pressure and two late unconverted tries from Paviors cut the gap to just one point, but Lincoln held firm to secure a nail-biting victory.

After the match Lincoln Colts Coach Andy Bargh said: “It was great to see Lincoln get the win, especially coming here for the second week running and after losing the first match in the National Cup.

“This being the NLD Cup, they wanted to prove themselves and they sure did. Great defence all the way through the match and the players really worked for each other and played as a team. I am really proud to see the lads win.”