Otley 10 Leicester Lions 29

For the second game of the season Leicester Lions had to face another away team, this week in the northern town of Otley. Conditions were looking very grim and wet on the journey up to the game, but luckily the rain disappeared before the 3pm kick-off.

After a high intensity warm-up the team looked set and prepared to take on the opposition with a spring in their step. This however was taken away slightly after giving away an early penalty and conceding 3pts in the opening 2 minutes. The Lions did not let it unnerve them and managed to bundle over the try line from a successful line out giving Oliver Taylor a try 10minutes in (conversion missed by William Bishop).

Lions started to take control of the game with a strong resilient defence putting them on the front foot. After 24 minutes they were rewarded with another try by Robert Young (converted by William Bishop), a reward for their tenacity and aggressive approach. More and more pressure was mounted onto Otley and further joys were shared with a successful penalty kick by Bishop on the 28th minute mark.

After a solid period of dominance by the Lions, Otley had the last say in the first half with a 34 minute try in which they took advantage of an overlap on the right side, scoring out wide and converting a tricky kick. A late sin bin on 38 minutes for foul play by Otley saw the balance swing back into the favour of the travelling midlands team.

With a real determination and focus to come away with a win, Leicester Lions rallied again in the second half and were spoilt early on (54mins) with a maverick run by Adam Shaw, who picked up a loose ball off a line out on the half way and weaved his way through the Otley defence, leaving the full back for dead with some real pace (converted by Bishop).

Nerves and tension were on high alert when Lions were down to 14 men on the 63rd minute after new boy, William Roach ,was given 10 minutes for killing the ball. But this did not change the momentum and Lions remained resilient showing real strength and guts pushing a 12 man maul over the try line for their fourth and winning bonus point (try Oliver Povoas, con Bishop).

2 games played and 2 away wins. Lions are showing real intent and ambition so far this season. Up next is Luctonians at home. Man of the match was Joe Collingham for his powerful presence and hard running.

Report by Tom Parry