Cleethorpes RFC produced a stunning performance to secure their first away league win of the season, overcoming both the league leaders and the odds to claim a 31–26 victory away at Market Rasen & Louth – all while playing over 60 minutes with just 14 men.
Heading into the game, Rasen were top of the league, having scored over 100 points in their opening two fixtures. Cleethorpes, meanwhile, travelled in good spirits following a narrow but hard-fought 7–5 win over Ollerton.
On a fine afternoon perfect for running rugby, Rasen dominated the early stages, pinning Cleethorpes inside their own half and piling on the pressure. However, despite territorial dominance, the hosts were kept out by some superb defensive organisation from the visitors. That pressure eventually led to a Cleethorpes sin-bin after a series of penalties, but even then, Rasen couldn’t break the deadlock.
Back to 15 men, Cleethorpes began to settle and launch attacks of their own. A quickly taken tap penalty by Luke Thornton seemed to have earned them the opening score, but the referee saw otherwise and controversially issued a red card to Thornton following dissent – a decision that shocked players and supporters alike.
Down to 14 with a full hour left to play, Cleethorpes were up against it, and Rasen wasted no time capitalising. A well-executed chip behind the defensive line allowed their winger to collect and score under the posts, with the conversion giving the home side a 7–0 lead.
But rather than folding, the depleted visitors responded in the best way possible. After strong work from the forwards, captain Isaac Machon broke from halfway and powered his way past four defenders to score a brilliant solo try, converted by young fly-half Morgan Adams to level the game at 7–7.
Just before half-time, Adams made another telling contribution, spotting a gap and bursting through from 30 metres out to score under the posts. He added the extras, and Cleethorpes incredibly went into the break 14–7 ahead.
Cleethorpes came out firing in the second half. A surging run from new signing Liam Fletcher set the platform, and after good build-up play, Harry Parker was hauled down just short. Fletcher was on hand to recycle quickly and offload to Harrison Bell, who dotted down near the posts. Adams slotted the conversion to extend the lead to 21–7.
Rasen, with fresh legs and a man advantage, responded with two long-range tries down the right wing, exploiting tired Cleethorpes defenders. One conversion was missed, keeping the visitors narrowly ahead at 21–19.
Needing fresh energy, Cleethorpes introduced Dan Kitchen and Conner Smith, who both made vital tackles and gained important metres in attack.
With tension building, it was Cleethorpes who struck next. Crisp handling from the backs freed up space on the right wing for the experienced Daniel McDaid, who beat his man with a hand-off and cut inside to finish under the posts. Adams converted and soon after added a penalty, taking his personal tally to 16 points.
At 31–19, the game looked wrapped up, but Rasen snatched a late try to salvage two bonus points, making the final score 31–26.
Liam Fletcher was awarded player of the match by the opposition for his explosive ball-carrying, line-breaking runs and constant threat in attack.
Speaking after the match, Craig Knight, Assistant Coach, Craig a knight, said: “That was a performance built on sheer determination and belief. Going down to 14 men that early could’ve killed the game, but the lads never let their heads drop. They executed the game plan brilliantly, defended like their lives depended on it, and took their chances when it mattered. Every single player stepped up today – it wasn’t just about individuals, it was a team effort from 1 to 20.Rasen are a top side and to go to their place and come away with five points says a lot about this squad’s character.”
David Bailey, Backs & Skills Coach, added: “I’m massively proud. From the touchline, the energy and work rate were clear to see – especially from our backs under huge pressure. Morgan [Adams] was outstanding again, both with the boot and his running game. Dan McDaid showed his experience at the right time, and our young lads coming off the bench – Dan Kitchen and Conner Smith – brought great impact when we needed it most. We’re still growing as a team, but today proved we can dig deep when the chips are down. Now we need to back this up next week.”
