Lions were hopeful of a continuation of last week’s form which gave a 25-0 win over Sandal. Harrogate had not played at home since before Christmas but although the surroundings of the pitch were boggy, the pitch was in good, if heavy, condition. It was an overcast but pleasant afternoon for rugby in January.

Harrogate opened the game like a runaway train and soon put Lions under pressure. A good running move led to a Harrogate try after 2 minutes by winger Sam Bottomley to lead 5-0.

Harrogate still had the upper hand but Lions came back well putting Harrogate under pressure and they conceded a penalty, kicked by Lions Jon Williams after 16 minutes to make the score 5-3.

Lions Joe Collingham was yellow carded after 25 minutes, but Lions upped their game to cope with the one player deficit.

Towards the end of the first half it looked like Lions were certain to score being camped on Harrogate’s line, but from a ruck Harrogate sneaked back possession to clear their line.

In the first half Harrogate had a couple of chances where they could have attempted penalty kicks, but choose to kick for position with the chance of scoring a try.

Half Time: Harrogate 5 Leicester Lions 3

The play was even at the start of the second half but another piece of carelessness by Harrogate gave an opportunity for a penalty to Lions dependable kicker Jon Williams, who made the score 5-6.

The even exchanges continued throughout the second half, but on 68 minutes Lions kicked out from inside their 22 metre line and the kick was collected by Harrogate’s fly half Callum Irvine who illusively weaved his way through the Lions’ defence to score a try, converted by Lewis Minikin. Ten minutes to go and Harrogate had re-established their lead, 12-6

Lions were not going to give up easily. They put Harrogate under pressure with two classy shimmerlng runs by replacement Jack Spittle. Enthusiastic following up by Lions forwards and backs led to a flowing move with the ball reaching their flying winger Devon Constant, whose low driving play produced the try in the corner. Lions' kicker Jon Williams produced a ‘Boys Own Annual Roy of the Rovers’ conversion from the touchline to make the score 12-13.

There were a few minutes of play left, but no time for Harrogate to make a comeback.

Full Time: Harrogate 12 Leicester Lions 13

A game where both sides applied themselves to playing positive attacking rugby in an exciting game.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that Lions played well in a well contested game. A splendid performance on a heavy pitch. The team played superbly and there was good supporting play all round.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fifth position in National League 2 North and Harrogate ninth.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC
mikehowkins@gmail.com