Lincoln RFC V Kesteven RFC

A fair but overcast day greeted Kesteven's 1st XV squad on their first visit to Lincoln's new ground. A very wide pitch together with high quality facilities made for a great setting for the league opener.

After a good and accurate warm up the highly motivated team took to the pitch.
Early pressure from Lincoln was kept at bay by secure Kesteven defence. Soon after, the Black Army started making inroads with limited possession. On one particular occasion Lincoln re-gathered the ball close to their own line and made what appeared to be a good clearing kick.
The ball however landed nicely in Whittaker's hands and set up the opportunity for him to beat
4 men on his way under the posts. The try was converted by Cann to make the score 0-7.

Lincoln, perennial league high flyers, wouldn't lie down after this early score. Pushing hard they were awarded a penalty after fly half Wood was deemed to be off his feet when contesting for the ball. (3-7).

The Black Army were feeling their way into the game by now. A loose ball was grubbered through by Turner and collected smartly by Taylor. True to form Taylor beat 2 players scoring again under the posts. An easy conversion for Cann (3-14).

With the bit between their teeth Kesteven were pushing on. Taylor made another break down the left stepping inside when unable to beat the final defender, he then kept his feet and neatly offloaded to the onrushing Webster, crashing through to score. (3-19). Cann converted from wide out (3-21).

Five minutes later, gaining some possession, Lincoln made a midfield break from first phase. After a couple of phases and a quick penalty they scored out wide. (8-21). The conversion was missed. Shortly before half time the Kesteven captain Webster was forced off with mild concussion following a knee to the head when gathering a loose ball, he was replaced by Jordan into the backrow. Special thanks at this stage should be made to the Lincoln physiotherapist who kindly and timely assisted many Kesteven players in their time of need.

HT

The second half was a scrappy affair that Kesteven can learn a lot from. Keeping possession and playing our phases are key to building a score. Lincoln however made both a lot more difficult in the second half. Five minutes into the second half the Black Army were reduced to 14 men when turner was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle (despite protestations the it wasn't his fault, it was the Lincoln player's fault for being too light!). Lincoln were successful with kick making the score 11-21.

The scrappy nature of the second half soon resulted in Kesteven being awarded a penalty near the half way line. Cann, with his prestigious kicking boots on, nailed the kick from near the half way line. Turner returned to the pitch. (11-24).

Lincoln's strong maul was a weapon all day; true to form they turned some good field position and sloppy Kesteven line out work into a try near the 60 minute mark. A successful conversion made the score 18-24. Despite some good Kesteven thrusts the final score was to stay this way.

Kesteven will be happy with the first half against a competitive Lincoln team. The poor second half leaves a lot to be worked on at training this week. Man of the match went to Rob Sheardown at Hooker, who played with his usual high work rate and endeavour. Champagne moment went to fullback Whittaker for his try.

Kesteven team: Odams, Sheardown, Purvis, Cowley, Pert, Webster(c), Sayle, Turner, Draper, Wood, Taylor, Cann, Ede, Jepson, Whittaker.

Bench: Templeton, Jordan, Young.