With no league fixture North Derbyshire Panthers stepped up a division to play a friendly with Midlands 3 side Lincoln. Lincolns home supporters and officials made the trip a memorable one, their treatment to Panthers fans and players was a credit to the club. Atrocious weather conditions couldn't, dampen the atmosphere and the match was played in a terrific spirit. Lincoln showed their class in the games opening try, Panthers defensive back line was left floundering as their racy backs burst through to touch down. Panthers went further behind after Lincoln scored again, rather tortuously to say the least. Despite going into touch, colliding with the corner flag and failing to ground the ball correctly, the ref allowed the try, much to the amusement of the home sides coaching staff. Panthers now decided it was time the show that they too are a class act. For the remainder of the half they put the home side under intense pressure. Time after time they forced Lincoln onto the back foot and only some heroic defence stopped Panthers from touching down. A sequence of penalties in Lincolns twenty-two led to Panthers getting on the scoresheet. Stand-off Rob Parkinson converting brilliantly to pull Panthers to within one point. Only a string of uncharacteristic missed opportunities and last ditch tackles prevented Panthers from touching down and the half drew to a close with Panthers on top but trailing 10-9.

Panthers started the second where they left off at the end of the first, taking the game to the home side. Pressure paid off when Lincoln infringed and Parkinson cooly slotted over. Lincoln now came back and capitalised with two penalties to restore their lead. With conditions getting worse by the second ball handling became increasingly difficult but both sides continued to play good attacking rugby. Panthers again could not consolidate their possession with points and once again suffered for it. Lincoln scoring a converted try brought the game to a close. Panthers could and should have won this match but despite losing they left the field heads held high and received a round of warm applause from the home supporters. Panthers must take credit from their performance and should go into next weeks home league fixture with East Retford full of confidence.

Pens: Parkinson 4

Squad: 15 Collins, 14 Stevenson, 13 R McVeigh, 12 M Liszka, 11 Patel, 10 Parkinson, 9 Campbell, 8 White, 7 Locke, 6 Fenton, 5 Emerson, 4 E Williams, 3 Edwards, 2 N McVeigh, 1 Titley