Gainsborough All Blacks 26 Horncastle 36
Gainsborough restarted their season after the Christmas break and the enforced lay of due to the bad weather with a storming game against the fast emerging and youthful Horncastle. The game was played at the Castle Hills ground, the field was soggy and damp and the day was very cold, but a good crowd turned out to watch this battle between these two merit table teams. Both Gainsborough and Horncastle had withdrawn from the league at the same time and the judgement of success is often measured between the two teams as to where they are either in league position or the merit table status. Horncastle came out on top on this occasion but the All Blacks gave a very good account of themselves especially as they had so little match practice over the last 5 weeks. Gainsborough went in front through Chadwick who benefited from a good off load by Goude, there is no doubt this early score stunned Horncastle who hit back with some very good open rugby, Gainsborough defence had to be at its best just to stay in the game but in the end the visitors dominated the first half scoring, Dan Hickson got another try for the All blacks but Horncastle amassed 22 points.
Gainsborough made several changes at the interval in order to ensure that all the squad had some pitch time. The home team put up a good show for the spectators Vernon Goude crashed over from short distance and Mark Hildred also scored but unfortunately this was not enough, Horncastle hit back with three tries and in the end the score line flattered the visitors who had a big celebration at the final whistle showing how important this result was to them.
Mark Hildred was awarded the Man of the match for the home team, a solid performance but well supported by Elliott Humphrey in the centre and strong tackling by Dan Dawson, the evergreen Shane Ellis and Grant Bell. It was good to see a return to the team of Aaron Dawson who played his first game of the season following his knee operation.
Next weeks game is away to Skegness 2nd XV KO 2.15 players are asked to meet at 12.15
V.Goude, H.Russell, D. Hickson, M. Spencer, R.Morley, S.Ellis, P.Hooton, D.Dodsley, A.Dean, M.Hildred, G.Bell, G.Wood, S.Parker, M.Ellis jnr, T.Bond, D.Chadwick, D.Ryan, N.Mitchell, C.O’Conner, D.Gagg, D Dawson, Sam Bennett. Anyone unavailable to contact Vernon 01724 334433
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