Lincoln 2nds 58 - 32 Gainsborough
Gainsborough Rugby Club played Lincoln seconds on saturday in a traditional Bank Holiday fixture. The All Blacks travelled to Lincoln with a much changed side following there recent good form in this friendly fixture.
Whilst a win against their more illustrious neighbours was always unlikely the travellers continued there good form away to a strong Lincoln thirds side. Gainsborough conceded their customary early try but then put on a first half of traditional cavalier rugby
Despite having to make many changes the spirit of the last few weeks has shown the Gainsborough players are better than the seasons results will suggest. Playing in traditional All Blacks style with a lot of power in the forwards the All Blacks gave Lincoln a shock.
The first half was a very open affair, Gainsborough kicking down the slope on the Lincoln pitch and for most of the game matched their opponents in all their adventurous ways scoring 4 trys through Vernon Goude, Steve Squealer, Mike Doddy scoring his first try for the club and the very mobile Mark Thomas being rewarded for his hard and quick running with a superb effort.
The second half saw a fitter Lincoln side take advantage of their local rivals, their superior backs opening up the Gainsborough defence with ease and establish a comprehensive lead.
The All blacks never stopped trying Mark Thomas always hitting the gain line with speed and Mark Ellis junior putting in an enormous amount of tackles and carrying the ball well when in possession.
Gainsborough did reply with two more trys from Vernon Goude and Wayne Sendall and finished the game on a high to make the final score 58 - 32 to Lincoln but overall a good performance by the travelling All Blacks.
Next week sees the return of league action with a home game against Cleethorpes, this match will be e real test and a true judge of how far the team has progressed in recent weeks.
