NEWARK COLTS 45
LINCOLN COLTS 21
PHOTO CREDIT: LOUISE BUDGEN

Lincoln travelled to Newark with a severely depleted squad, but that didn’t stop them from battling hard in a 45-21 defeat.

The challenge was made even tough with four late game-day dropouts, leaving the team short on numbers, but a big thanks to our friends at Kesteven and Newark for ensuring the fixture went ahead.

The game was played in great spirit and, with a patched-together side and unfamiliar combinations, the Lincoln players stepped out with no real expectation of victory, but with a clear expectation of effort and performance.

The opening stages of the match went much as anticipated with Newark starting strongly and capitalising on Lincoln’s early disruption by crossing for a series of tries to build a commanding 26-0 lead.

However, rather than allowing the game to drift away from them, something began to click for Lincoln. The players started to compete harder at the breakdown, carry the ball with real intent and bring far greater energy to the contest. 

Belief slowly began to grow and Lincoln scored their first try of the match to reduce the deficit to 26-7 going in at the break.

Kesteven Dan’s try came from a bounce play from a lineout before bouncing it back to a pod down the short side. Ollie Lennon then came back blind to give Dan the opportunity to score. James Tomlinson added the extras with a successfully conversion.

By half-time, although the scoreboard was still against them, the look in the players’ eyes suggested there was far more to come. The second half proved that feeling right.

Lincoln arguably played the better rugby after the break, showing real determination and pride in their performance.

Their work at the breakdown was outstanding, with players throwing themselves into tackles, fighting for turnovers and supporting each other across the field.

Kesteven added a further two tries, but Lincoln continued to battle hard with Kesteven Dan scoring a similar try to his first, which Tomlinson converted.

Lincoln were in again when a short range pick and go on the Newark five-metre line put Lennon over for a try.

Newark added one final try before the end, but Lincoln can hold their heads high after a much-improved second-half performance.

POST MATCH COMMENT

After the match, Lincoln’s Director of Age Grade Rugby Chris Briggs said: “The final scoreline went Newark’s way, but the result was never really the point.

“The game was about commitment, resilience, and the willingness to keep competing in the face of adversity. In that respect, the Lincoln players delivered in abundance.

“A huge thank you must go to Kesteven for lending Dan and Robert for the match. Both players were outstanding contributors and represented their club, Lincoln, and the spirt of the game superbly.

“It was great to see proper rugby values on display throughout the afternoon.

“There was a huge amount of positivity to take from the performance. The second-half display in particular represented a giant step forward for the squad, especially considering how far many of these players have come in just a few weeks.

“While the season may be drawing towards its close, the progress made suggests that with another year’s development - and the next group of younger players coming through - there is something very exciting building for the future.

“Most importantly, the players discovered something about themselves - a level of grit and togetherness they may not have realised they had. And that, far more than the scoreline, is what made the day worthwhile."