Fylde 14: Tries: Tom Carleton (2), Adam Lewis (11); Conversions: Greg Smith (3, 12);
Leicester Lions 13: Tries: Devon Constant (56); Conversions: Harry Key (57); Penalties: Harry Key (33, 52);

It was a damp chilly winter afternoon for the visit of Leicester Lions to Fylde, who play at Lytham St Annes, near Blackpool. A long day out for the Lions’ players, committee and supporters.
In recent weeks Lions have had home wins against league leaders Hull Ionians and second placed Chester. It would be a challenge against third placed Fylde.
Fylde started well and in the first fifteen minutes opened up a 14-0 lead.
On 2 minutes Fylde put Lions under pressure with their full-back, Tom Carleton, running in a try, converted by Greg Smith.
It did not take Fylde long to add to their tally, with prop Adam Lewis driving over for a try and Smith adding the extra points, for Fylde to increase their lead to 14-0.
After the sluggish and disappointing start Lions started to come back into the game with some assertive play.
On 33 minutes Key put over a penalty for Lions to take the score to 14-3.

Half Time: Fylde 14 Leicester Lions 3

After the break Lions were putting Fylde under pressure, but Fylde’s defence was holding out.
On 52 minutes Key kicked his second penalty for Lions to close the score to 14-6.
The excitement level was raised on 56 minutes when Lions’ winger, Devon Constant, crashed through the Fylde defence to open Lions’ try account, with Key adding the conversion, to bring the score to a nail-biting 14-13.
Lions were still putting Fylde under pressure and had opportunities that might have led to a score that would have taken them into the lead.
Both sides had opportunities, but neither was able to add to their tally.
Fylde’s defence held firm for them to take the victory.

Full Time: Fylde 14 Leicester Lions 13

An energetic start by Fylde to take an early two try lead, catching Lions on the hop. Lions came back into the game after the first twenty minutes, but were still one point short of levelling the score at the end of the game.

Lions’ head coach, Andy Key, said, “After the disappointing opening phase of the game the team played well, keeping the pressure on Fylde. With a bit of luck we could easily have won this game. We need to do a bit of work on ensuring we don’t get caught out by the opposition at the start of the game. Over recent weeks two wins and this one point defeat is a pleasing set of results against the league’s leading three teams.”

Following the game Lions were in eleventh position in National League 2 North, with Fylde being in third position.

Teams – Order 15-9, 1-8, 16-20
Fylde: Tom Carleton, Henry Hadfield, Chris Briers, Connor Wilkinson, Tom Grimes, Greg Smith, Cameron Crampton, Bevan Rodd, Ben Gregory, Adam Lewis, Ollie Parkinson, Matthew Garrod, Harlan Corrie, Ben O’Ryan, Jacob Connor
Replacements: Callum Ford, Nick Ashcroft, Alex Loney, James Bailey, Ralph Dowds

Leicester Lions: Max Titchener, Sam Benjamin, Jamel Hamilton, Harry Key, Devon Constant, Dan Lewis, Alex Smit, Will Roberts, Oli Taylor, Dan Ali, Ollie Tapscott, Ed Sumpter, Simon Johnson, Jonny Murdoch, Ethan Godefroy
Replacements: Ben Spokes, Curtis Weaver, Demo Gonsalves, Tom Aviss, Josh Leonard

For further details consult www.ncarugby.com