CHESTER v LIONS MATCH REPORT

Chester 26: Tries: Mike Craven (12 min, 16 min, 49 min), Guy Ford (19 min); Conversions: Callum Bennett (12 min, 16 min, 49 min)

Leicester Lions 7: Tries: Marco Dallaville (78 min); Conversions: Will Bishop (78 min);

A wet morning was the precursor to Leicester Lions visit to Chester. Substantial rain in the morning and early afternoon led to a sodden playing surface. It was a mild afternoon, with a fresh breeze running down the pitch. During the game there was a mixture of showers and some late autumn sunshine.
Chester had the advantage of the breeze in the first half, with some initial even exchanges and Chester starting to gain the upper hand. Chester were taking the ball from Lions’ throw in at the line-out.
After ten minutes Chester produced a blistering blitz against Lions, producing three quick fire tries. Chester back-row Mike Craven went over for a try on 11 min, converted by Callum Bennett, from a well executed forwards’ move to open Chester’s account.
Lions had little time to regain their breath before they were hit by another two Chester tries, by Mike Craven and No 8 Guy Ford, with Callum Bennett adding a conversion.
A disastrous start for Lions – 20 minutes gone and Chester were ahead 19-0.
Lions came back into the game in the second quarter with some even exchanges, but Chester generally held the upper-hand for most of the first half.

Half Time: Chester 19 Leicester Lions 0

After the break Lions had the advantage of the breeze at their backs and Chester defending into a setting sun. Lions started to put more order into their game, with good defence and starting to take control of the scrummage.
Alas, a good break by Chester led to Mike Craven completing his hat-trick of tries for the afternoon, converted by Callum Bennett, to give Chester their deserved 26-0 lead. This gave Chester their bonus point for four tries.
Lions did not give up and some good tackling and scrummaging kept them in the game. Both sides had opportunities and two minutes from time a period of sustained pressure by Lions led to replacement back-row Marco Dallaville going over for a try from a well performed forwards’ move, converted by Will Bishop.

Full Time: Chester 26 Leicester Lions 7

A well competed game, with Chester having by far the better of the afternoon. Lions showed some stoicism in their tackling and defence after the Chester three try blitz in the first half.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that Chester certainly played and competed well. Lions stuck to their guns, defended and scrummaged well, being rewarded with a late well taken try.
Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in seventh position in National League 2 North and Chester in sixth position.