The intensity of the game was clear from the start, in the 2nd minute a high tackle on Lincoln centre Will Dark forced him to be side-lined for the rest of the game, with the referee handing out a yellow card.
Lincoln came out flying in the opening 20 minutes scoring three unconverted, unanswered tries from winger Will Wood, replacement centre Jack Randell and winger Daniel Hill which all came from perfectly executed backs moves.
However, Southwell fought back as centre Liam Combellack surged through tackles while being held to score an unconverted try for the visitors in the 21st minute.
High intensity forward play from both sides allowed space for Lincoln centre Josh White to have the ball offloaded to him in space for Lincoln’s fourth try.
Injuries continued to be a problem for Lincoln as in the 34th minute winger Wood was forced off with a knee injury.
This didn’t stop Lincoln as after a lovely offload from flanker Jake Keeton, it set up a perfectly executed backs move to put fullback Harry Marks in for the try converted by Cooke.
Half time 27-5.
Southwell Head Coach and former Wales and British & Irish Lions international, Andy Powell, had strong words for his side who came out with high intensity.
Southwell proceeded to score twice in the first 20 minutes of the second half to decrease their points deficit to within 10 of the hosts.
The home side were not finished as they dotted down the final converted try of the match after an incredibly sneaky pick and go from Hooker Olly Stringer.
The match saw Lincoln 1XV debutant scrum half, Declan O’leary, named man of the match.
Post-match comments.
Brian Kelly, Lincoln RFC Head Coach said:
“It was a good win against a strong Southwell side, but we need to have a full 80 minute performance to really stamp our authority on a game.”
Andy Powell, Southwell RFC Head Coach said:
“Lincoln were particularly great at the scrum, but it was great intensity from us and a great performance putting us in a good place to play top of league Hinckley next weekend.”
