Preston Grasshoppers v Leicester Lions

Preston Grasshoppers 17: Tries: Luke Procter (37 min), Peter Altham (48 min); Conversions: Sean Taylor (37 min, 48 min); Penalties: Sean Taylor (7 min)

Leicester Lions 20: Tries: Joe Collingham (20 min), Ben Spokes (44 min), Luke Veebel (55 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (55 min); Penalty: Jon Boden (60 min)

Lions were hopeful of positive result at Preston Grasshoppers, after arriving at Preston earlier in the season to find the pitch waterlogged and unplayable, with the game having to be postponed.

The game started with the Hoppers putting Lions under pressure for much of the first half.

On 7 minutes Sean Taylor opened the scoring for Hoppers with a penalty.

Lions made the best of the possession they had when a quickly taken penalty gave Joe Collingham the well taken opportunity to go over for a try from 5 metres out, after 20 minutes.

Hoppers retook the lead just before half-time with a pushover try by Luke Procter, converted by Sean Taylor.

Half Time: Preston Grasshoppers 10 Leicester Lions 5

Lions responded strongly early in the second half with a try by prop Ben Spokes to level the score.

Hoppers quickly responded with a try by prop Peter Altham, converted by Sean Taylor, to retake the lead 17-10, after 48 minutes.

Lions were not going to give in easily and on 55 minutes a try by centre Luke Veebel, converted by Jon Boden, levelled the score at 17-17.

Soon after a penalty by Jon Boden put Lions back in the lead 20-17.

With this score the last twenty minutes was a close run affair, but Lions hung on to their lead for a hard fought away win.

Full Time: Preston Grasshoppers 17 Leicester Lions 20

Preston Grasshoppers had the better of the first half, but Lions came back strongly after the break.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that this was a good away win, with Lions withstanding some strong pressure from the Hoppers.

A most pleasing set of results since the New Year.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fourth position in National League 2 North and Preston Grasshoppers eighth. Macclesfield are in a commanding position at the top of the table.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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