Lions v Huddersfield

Leicester Lions 5: Tries: Devon Constant (78 min);

Huddersfield 3: Penalties: Chris Bell (40 min)

Lions were hopeful of a continuation of the last three last week’s form which gave a home win against Sandal and away wins at Harrogate and Stourbridge. There had been rain overnight, in the morning and during much of the game, so the sodden and greasy pitch surface would be a dominating factor in the game. As well as the wet conditions a brisk wind blew generally across the pitch, to the advantage of Lions in the first half and in the second half to Huddersfield. The wind and being soggy under foot meant that it was not going to be a good day for kickers.

The game started with some even exchanges with both sides trying to make the best of conditions not conducive to entertaining rugby. Both sides had opportunities and both defended well, which in some instances led to stalemate conditions. Huddersfield just about made the better of the conditions, but Lions defended especially well.

Lions had the slight advantage of the wind in the first half, but could not make anything of this advantage.

In the final minute of the first half an indiscretion by Lions gave Huddersfield a penalty, which was scored by their fly-half Chris Bell.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 0 Huddersfield 3

After the half time break Huddersfield had the advantage of the wind and put some pressure on Lions, but the Lions’ defence was, as ever, most dependable. For much of the second half Lions were kept in their own half by the pressure exerted by Huddersfield. But in the conditions pressure did not equal points.

On 75 minutes Huddersfield’s winger, Elliot Fletcher, was yellow carded for a technical offence.

In the closing minutes of the second half Lions launched an attack, showing their class and pinned Huddersfield on their try line. Flowing cross pitch play led to a smart move by Lions’ forwards, when their No 8 Joe Collingham gave a pass to winger Devon Constant to go over in the corner for the winning try and points of the game.

There was little time for either side to add to the score-line.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 5 Huddersfield 3

A game dominated by the rain and wind in inclement conditions for flowing rugby.

By their spirited performance it was difficult to see why Huddersfield occupies the foot of the National League 2 North table.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that Lions stuck to the task in hand, eventually coming good with the pressure and the try towards the end of the second half. A pleasing winning run, with four victories in a row.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in third position in National League 2 North and Huddersfield sixteenth. Macclesfield are in a commanding position at the top of the table, with Lions one point behind second placed Stourbridge, but with a game in hand. Fourth placed Sedgley Park has games in hand and could easily make it to second position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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