Leicester Lions 21: Tries: Ed Sumpter (24, 46); Devon Constant (65); Conversions: Ben Young (25, 47, 66)
Barnes 9: Penalties: Josh Hammett (36, 39, 52)

It was a pleasant mild autumn afternoon for the first ever league visit of Barnes to Leicester Lions at TMDP Park, Blaby, after Lions’ move to National League 2 South.
There was a slight breeze diagonally across the pitch, with Lions having the advantage of the breeze and the slope in the first half.

Lions had the best part of 25 minutes pressure on the Barnes line, before their second row, Ed Sumpter, drove over for a try, converted by Ben Young, to open the scoring.

Following the restart Barnes came back into the game putting Lions on the defensive. Careless and desperate play by Lions conceded two penalties, both scored by Barnes' Josh Hammett in the last five minutes of the first half.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 7 Barnes 6

Lions opened the second half with some adventurous play, reasserting pressure on Barnes. They advanced up the pitch with a combination of forwards and backs play, with Ed Sumpter finding a gap in the Barnes' defence and running through for his second try, with Ben Young again adding the extras.

Barnes stayed in the game with Josh Hammett adding his third penalty, closing the gap to 14-9.

In the last fifteen minutes Lions open attacking play took the ball up the pitch with some smart interchanges to send their winger, Devon Constant, powering his way to score their third try, with Ben Young again adding the conversion, opening their lead to 21-9.

In spite of opportunities Lions could not manage another try for the bonus point.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 21 Barnes 9

A well contested game with Lions exerting pressure and Barnes providing some sterling defensive play.

Lions' Head Coach, Gareth Collins, said "We were pleased with the win and Barnes gave us a good game. Barnes made it a testing time for us. We were sorry not to achieve the bonus point for the fourth try, but Barnes made it a hard earned victory for us."

Following the game Lions were in sixth position in the league and Barnes in thirteenth position.

Teams – Order 15-9, 1-8, 16-20
Leicester Lions: Ben Young, Kaz Henderson, Luke Veebel, Jamel Hamilton, Devon Constant, Greg Loydall, Alex Smit, James Whitcombe, Oli Taylor, Shaun Murray, Ollie Tapscott, Ed Sumpter, Drew Rudkin, Jonny Murdoch, Ethan Godefroy Replacements: Rhod McNaughton, George Taylor-Walker, Simon Johnson, George Turner, James Stubbs

Barnes: Taino Goveia, Robbie Martey, Nick Van Buuren, Basil Strang, Tim Pearce, Josh Hammett, Josh Davies, George Hunter, Cameron Ruddick, Sam Gratton, Ryan Seabright, Jamie Collins, Matthew Steele, Johan Van Der Poel, Alex Hind
Replacements: Tom Moncur, Tom McArthur, Richard Lewis, Harry Cody-Owen, Thomas Trotter

For further details consult www.ncarugby.com