Sleaford Colts 24 Boston Colts 26

50 points were scored in this local derby game but early on a scoreless draw looked more likely as neither side was able to impose any control on the game. With Sleaford trying to keep the ball tight amongst their big forwards Boston had to work hard to gain any possession. Sleaford eventually opened the scoring after gathering the ball from a lineout and driving for the line. Boston started to find some rhythm in response and as their possession increased gaps started to appear in the Sleaford midfield. From a tapped penalty it was Adenaike who crashed over close to the posts with Bray converting to level the score at 7-7. Sleaford then struck back after putting together a passing move to score under the posts for a 14-7 halftime lead.

With the advantage of the breeze and the dry conditions in the second half Boston`s expansive handling game soon had Sleaford on the back foot. The Sleaford back 3 were forced into the game as Boston`s midfield repeatedly took the attack wide. After coming close a couple of times Bray got the touchdown in the corner and then James Andrews scored following a stolen lineout and a sweeping passing move for Boston to go into the lead for the first time. Sleaford then regrouped and forced their way over the Boston line to level the game at 19-19. Boston`s hard working forwards and enterprising backs continued to probe the Sleaford defence for the decisive score. In broken play fullback Balsom gathered a loose ball. A nicely weighted chip cleared the approaching defence. Despite an awkward bounce he was able to cleanly regather the ball and sprint clear to score under the posts with Bray completing the conversion. Again the Sleaford forwards tried to take the game to Boston and with the clock ticking down Boston were forced to defend deep in their own half. Despite Sharp and Power in particular repeatedly knocking down their opponents the Sleaford pack forced the ball over the line for their third close range try near to the posts. Sleaford required the conversion to level the match but as the ball struck an upright and bounced away the referees final whistle blew to give Boston Colts a hard fought win.

Man of the Match Ayo Adenaike

Match report by Charles Roberts