SLEAFORD COLTS 20
LINCOLN COLTS 18
BY JOSEPH VERNEY

A late penalty proved to be the difference as Lincoln Colts narrowly lost 20-18 in a hard-fought match at Sleaford.

Lincoln opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Finn M successfully slotted over a penalty.

Sleaford responded with the first try of the match after managing to keep hold of the ball from a well-challenged lineout. The hosts then went down the five-metre channel and applied consistent pressure to go over for an unconverted try.

Sleaford increased their lead when their full-back picked up a kick return and cut through the defence.

Although Lincoln managed some scramble defence in the final metres, it wasn’t enough to prevent the try and Sleaford added the conversion to take a 12-3 lead in at the break.

Lincoln reduced the deficit in the second half when a loose Sleaford lineout in the 22 was gathered by Dylan A. He gathered the ball, driving straight for the try line, but Sleaford initially rallied in defence. There was no stopping Dylan though as good footwork and solid determination saw him score a try to the right of the posts.

Sleaford had the chance to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty just inside the 10 metre line of Lincoln’s half. Although the kick was missed, it rebounded off the left-hand post and Sleaford regathered it and went right before a pick and go around the corner lead to a try.

Lincoln refused to give up and a great lineout move saw the ball go off the top and all the way through the hands. Euan Lowe then made a great break before the ball was recycled back through the hands to set up on a try on the left wing for Rowan T.

Lincoln put consistent pressure on Sleaford through the middle of the field and made it to the 22 before being awarded a penalty as the defence weren’t back 10.

A tap penalty then saw Lincoln get to the opposition five-metre line, where Sleaford player incurred a second yellow and was sent off for what was deemed to be a high tackle. From the resulting penalty, Dylan A forced his way over the line for his second try of the match.

Lincoln battled hard as they attempted to hold onto their one-point lead, but unfortunately Sleaford kicked a penalty in the final moments to snatch victory away from the visitors.

After the match the Colts’ players named Euan L as their player of the match and Dylan A was awarded as the coach’s player of the match.

The team also had a tie presentation, a new initiative for this age group using collective data from this season and last season.

The lads receive a tie with Bronze Imps for 10 appearances, Silver for 20 and Gold for 30. Kyran M received his silver tie after the match.

POST MATCH COMMENT

After the match Lincoln Colts Head Coach Chris Briggs said: “We were too quiet from the off and didn’t really get going until the second half, and fair play to Sleaford for sticking it to us and not giving us an easy right.

“Some indiscipline from both sides and a couple of injuries added to frustration, but once we started to get some go-forward we were able to get back into the game.

“One late penalty which was kicked by the hosts made the difference. We are still a young side with plenty to learn.

“Big thanks and congratulations to our hosts and we wish them luck for the season.”