Saturday 5th January Kesteven 2ndxv 64 - Lincoln 3rdxv 0

Before the match, there was a minutes silence in memory of Kesteven player Chris Jones, who tragically lost his life on Christmas day, this was impeccably observed by spectators and players from both sides alike. Thanks to Lincoln for paying their respects.

The Kesteven second string were eager to continue from where they left off following their impressive victory over West Bridgford prior to the Christmaas break, and with captain Pete Dolan celebrating his 30th birthday nothing less than a win was required. Lincoln had previously beaten the dog pack earlier in the season, so they were expecting a tough afternoon.
It was the forward who dominated the opening 20minutes, with Kesteven looking very dangerous and following a lineout close to the Lincoln line, a perfect driving mall was set up to allow Richard Midgeley to open the scoring. He was on the score sheet again soon after as he broke free from a tackle and touched down for his brace. As has been the trend recently, the black army second xv kept the tempo high and the next score follwed soon after with Dougie Hayward at the bottom of another driving mall. Finally it was the turn of the backs a Ben Betts scored a deserved try following some awesome defensive work in which he fairly humiliated the Lincoln front row by driving him up and backwards in a tackle, and his try was more a forwards effort as he drove over from close range.
Next came perhaps the pick of the days scores as play opened up and the ball was fed out to Dougie Hayward, who put his head down and straightened the line like a good centre would, drew the winger in and passed to Andy Peabody, who rounded the fullback like a good winger would for a spectacular score. Andy Price was succesful with a number of conversions.

With a large bench, captain Dolan rung the changes at half time, but the scoring didn't stop with Brad Jepson opening the scoring with a good finish after a break in midfield. Harry Martin showed his class at ten as he sold an audacious dummy and had the pace to finish under the posts, before Jordan Smith was rewarded with a good try shortly after. Replacement wing John Cunningham was unlucky to be dragged down short of the line following a great line, but this only delayed the scoring as further tries were scored by Will Cann and Adam Draper, with Ian Charles closing the scoring just managing to get the ball down on the line. Tom Price took over the goal kicking this half and was also successful with a number of efforts.

A fitting display by a confident side playing good rugby, which will stand them in good stead for the rest of the league campaign. With an outstanding forward effort particularly in the set piece the backs had superb ball in which run moves and show their skill and pace. Next week grimsby are the visitors to Woodnook and following a close match away, another tough fixture is expected.


Team;
Dolan P, Hayward, King, Hanson, Miles, Crowson, Midgeley, Peabody, Morgan, Martin, Windsor, Dent, Jepson, Betts, Price A, Paton, Coghill, Smith J, Cann R, Draper, Cunningham, Cann W, Price T, Charles

Apologies if I've missed any scorers or made any mistakes.