All Blacks shine in testing conditions

Gainsborough travelled the short distance to local rivals Market Rasen with a strong squad which was tested by the weather conditions as well as the experienced Market Rasen side, but they won 36-6.

Having lost the toss and asked to play into the strong wind, Gainsborough were put under pressure from the kick-off.

They then lost second row Ross Duncan and were forced to reshape the pack with veteran Andre Russell coming into the front row, hooker Andy Turner moving to flanker and Mark Ellis Jnr moving up into the second row.

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Once settled the Gainsborough forwards were very workmanlike against their more experience opposition.

Despite the condition the All Blacks were to score first through winger Nathan Haymer-Bates, but Rasen then hit back with two penalties to take a 6-5 lead approaching half-time.

The last play of the half saw The All Blacks turn over Rasen position and break away, Ronan passing to Vernon Goude who passed to winger Daniel Dawson.

He still had a lot of work to do from 30 yards out but he cut inside the covering defence to score to the right of the post which enabled Sean Parker to add the extras and the All Blacks led 12-6 at the interval.

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The second half kicked off with the All Blacks on the attack and on top having taken the lead just before the break.

While Gainsborough attacked Rasen were strong in defence, keeping the All Blacks out until winger Haymer-Bates broke through to score his second try of the game.

By now the All Blacks were well on top and scored three more tries all through the backs Jeff Bates and Daniel Chadwick before Nathan Haymer-Bates rounded things off with his third try of the game. Parker converted two more to leave the final score 36-6.

Despite the final score this was a good workout for the Gainsborough side and the Rasen team did ask questions of the All Blacks defence with their big pack and there never-say-die attitude.

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Man of the Match went to Ronan Evers-Norton for a fine all round display and special mentions go to Daniel Dodsley in the forwards who put in another tireless display and Nathan Haymer-Bates in the backs who took his tries well and was dangerous throughout in attack.

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