The First XV v Sleaford

Four-try bonus point rewards Gainsborough’s fightback at Sleaford

Gainsborough’s 1st XV came away from Sleaford with a four-try bonus point after battling to the final whistle in a 56–24 defeat. An early red card left the visitors facing a difficult afternoon, but a determined second-half response brought three further tries, with the bonus point secured in the final minute.

Gainsborough made a promising start by opening the scoring. However, a red card soon afterwards reduced them to 14 players and changed the shape of the contest. Sleaford took advantage of the extra man, building pressure and adding a succession of scores before the interval to establish a 32–5 half-time lead.

That left Gainsborough with a considerable challenge, but the lads responded with commitment after the break. There were some solid defensive passages as they worked to contain Sleaford, alongside a determination to keep creating chances of their own.

Although the hosts continued to add to their total, Gainsborough fought back with three second-half tries. The visitors kept working for a fourth score right to the end, and their persistence paid off with a final-minute try to secure a valuable bonus point.

Brad Beresford, Jordy Holden, Kieron Smythe and Billy Nicholson each crossed the line, with Beresford adding two conversions to complete Gainsborough’s 24 points. Archie Hunter was named Man of the Match.

The final score of 56–24 reflected a tough afternoon against Sleaford, particularly after the early dismissal. Nevertheless, Gainsborough can take encouragement from their second-half response and the resolve they showed to finish with four tries despite playing much of the game a man down.