National cup draw hands Sleaford RFC Ladies 285-mile round trip

They have been drawn away to Burnley Ladies in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Junior Plate national competition, with a round-trip to Lancashire of about 285 miles.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 17 with a 2.30pm kick-off.

* Sleaford RFC men’s First XV maintained their upturn in form with a narrow victory over mid-table Mansfield on Saturday.

Having won just once in 10 attempts before Christmas, the Red and Blacks made it three wins in four league matches thanks to an 18-15 victory at Ruskington Road.

They stay second-bottom of Midlands 3 East (North), but have drawn within a point of the two sides above them, and within a bonus-point win of eighth-placed Kesteven.

But they will face a stern test on Saturday when they travel to leaders Nottingham Casuals who have won all 14 of their matches this season.