ADAM Goodwin ran in two second-half tries as Cleethorpes RUFC continued their Lincolnshire Cup defence with a 23-10 victory at Bourne.
The Meggies were without several first-team regulars but still had a strong line-up to face their rivals – from the Midlands 4 West.
Cleethorpes, back in league action this Saturday against Long Eaton at Lucarly's (2.15pm), realised early in the tie that forward dominance would win the game last weekend.
Strong scrummaging and line-out play was important and Cleethorpes stuck to their game-plan superbly.
Running from forwards John Marris, Scott Brown and Adam Fanthorpe earned the Meggies good field position.
Captain Pete Southwell marshalled the team well from the unfamiliar position of scrum-half, while Steve Broderick had good control over the backs from fly-half.
Andy Shaw scored a well-worked try in the corner to finish off a good set-piece move as Cleethorpes took control, but their 10-3 half-time lead did not do their play justice.
The Meggies maintained their momentum after the break, though, as they continued to dominate up front and provide good service for the backs.
After Goodwin made victory safe with two tries, a late consolation try from Bourne made the victory margin less flattering.
Cleethorpes – eighth in the 12-team Midlands 3 East (North) – host fourth-placed Long Eaton on Saturday. Training at Lucarly's tonight starts at 6.30pm.
