Leicester Lions 26: Tries: Dan Lewis (34), Devon Constant (41), Aaron Martin (78); Conversions: Dan Lewis (42); Penalties: Dan Lewis (26, 45, 51);

Preston Grasshoppers 24: Tries: Rouban Birch (18, 70), Alastair Murray (38), James Fitzpatrick (62); Conversions: Tom Davidson (39, 71);

It was a mild afternoon, with sunny periods and light clouds, for Lions’ game against Hoppers. A pleasant afternoon for a match of open rugby. Lions were hoping to extend their wins from the previous two week’s games.

The game started with both sides testing each other out and some tight driving forward play. Hoppers were putting Lions under pressure and following some rolling forward play their wing forward, Rouban Birch, went over for a try in the corner after 18 minutes.

Careless play by Hoppers led to them conceding a penalty which Lions’ No 10, Dan Lewis, kicked from close to the half-way line after 26 minutes to bring the score to 3-5.

Lions started to come into the game and following forward pressure the ball was switched out to the backs with Lewis weaving his way through the Hoppers’ defence to score a try after 34 minutes to put Lions in the lead, 8-5.

Hoppers continued their tight rolling forward play and their second row, Alistair Murray, drove over for a try, after 38 minutes, with Tom Davidson adding the conversion and putting Hoppers back in the lead, 8-12.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 8 Preston Grasshoppers 12

At the start of the second half Lions fashioned a most enterprising move. Driving forward they shipped the ball out to the backs, with winger, Devon Constant, outpacing the Hoppers’ defence to score under the posts, with Lewis adding the conversion and regaining the lead at 15-12.

Again an exciting run by Lions’ Constant put Hoppers under pressure. Hoppers conceded a penalty and Lions’ Lewis put the extra points on the board to open their lead to 18-12.

Further pressure by Lions led to Hoppers giving away another penalty after 51 minutes and Lewis again adding the three points to make the score 21-12.

Hoppers showed their determination with a comeback at the start of the last quarter of the game. Again their forwards put Lions under pressure in tight play and their wing forward, James Fitzpatrick, squeezed over for a try in the corner after 62 minutes, closing the gap to 21-17.

Hoppers persevered with their forward pressure and on 70 minutes Birch drove over for his second try, with Davidson adding the conversion, putting Hoppers back in the lead at 21-24.

In the dying minutes of the game Lions took possession of the ball from a Hoppers’ clearance. Lions successfully worked the ball out to the right and Aaron Martin flew over in the corner for the winning try for Lions, making the score 26-24.

Following the restart Hoppers gained possession, but an infringement by them allowed Lions to kick the ball out of play and seal a closely fought victory.

Final Score: Leicester Lions 26 Preston Grasshoppers 24

A good win by Lions, but a well contested game, in which both sides had opportunities. Hoppers showed their experience in the tight driving play, with Lions showing some excellent flair in open play. As ever, Lions tackled well to hold the Hoppers’ forward pressure. An impressive performance by Lions for their third win of the season.

Lions’ head coach, Andy Key, said, “It was most pleasing to see Lions get their third successive win of the season. They persisted making the best of their opportunities throughout the game. Their application and commitment to score the last try was to be congratulated”.