The First XV v Market Rasen & Louth II

Gainsborough's outstanding defence shuts out Market Rasen in stormy conditions

Gainsborough's 1st XV produced an outstanding defensive display to beat Market Rasen & Louth II 31–0 at home on Saturday, 24 October, staying focused through terrible weather to keep the visitors off the scoreboard.

The storm made for a difficult afternoon, with the wind adding another challenge for both sides. Gainsborough stuck at the task, and their defence was the standout feature of a performance that combined four tries with a clean sheet.

Paddy Butler crossed for one try, Daniel Chadwick scored twice and Kieron Smythe also touched down. Together, those four tries gave Gainsborough a strong return in conditions that made the result all the more satisfying.

Brad Beresford added the conversions and a penalty, with his kicking in the wind deserving particular credit. His contribution helped turn the four tries into a 31-point total on an afternoon when kicking was far from straightforward.

Butler was named Man of the Match, capping a day on which Gainsborough could take pride in both their attacking return and the defensive effort that prevented Rasen from scoring. The lads stuck together through the weather and finished with a convincing home win.