Leicester Lions v Chester

Leicester Lions 19: Tries: Ben Spokes (10 min), Devon Constant (26 min), Sam Benjamin (49 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (27 min, 50 min)

Chester 14: Tries: Llion Jones (45 min), Rhys Hayes (73 min); Conversions: Callum Bennett (46 min, 73 min)

Lions were hopeful of a return to form after a defeat at Sedgley Park last week, following a four game winning streak. It was a mild and breezy afternoon, with rain in the air throughout the game and the blustery wind having a chilling effect. The significant wind was generally across the pitch to Lions’ advantage in the first half and Chester’s advantage after the break.

The game started with Chester having possession for most of the first ten minutes. Lions eventually gained good control and excellent forward play moved them down the pitch towards Chester’s line. Good forward pressure gave Lions the opening try when prop Ben Spokes crashed over to score after 10 minutes.

Lions exerted further pressure when winger Devon Constant elegantly floated round his opposite number to score Lions’ second try, converted by Jon Boden, after 26 minutes, making the score 12-0.

Although Chester were playing well Lions had other opportunities in the first half, but could not add to their score.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 12 Chester 0

After the interval with the wind at their backs Chester were a changed team.

Lions’ Joe Collingham was yellow carded for a technical offence after 42 minutes.

Chester put Lions under pressure and after 45 minutes their second row Llion Jones went over after some tight play to score a try, converted by Callum Bennett, making the score 12-7.

Lions were not going to give way easily with their scrum starting to dominate the set pieces.

Lions quickly reopened the gap from open play mid-field when their winger Sam Benjamin had a mercurial run through the centre to outpace the Chester defence and score a try for Lions, converted by Jon Boden, after 49 minutes.

Thirty minutes to go and Lions were 19-7 in the lead.

Chester were putting pressure on the Lions, but Lions defence held up well covering attacks thrown at them. Lions were still exerting pressure on Chester at the scrums.

Some good persistent play by Chester led to their second try when fullback Rhys Hayes broke through to score, with Callum Bennett adding the conversion, after 73 minutes.

Seven minutes left and Lions held a 19-14 lead. A try for Chester would have made it a draw and the conversion a victory.

In the remaining period on the game Chester put Lions under pressure, but Lions impressive defence held firm.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 19 Chester 14

Leicester Lions had the better of the first half and Chester the better of the second. Some good all round defence by Lions and an edge in the scrum gave Lions a deserved victory in a well contested game.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that was good to get back to a win after a disappointing defeat at Sedgley Park. The players have moulded well into a cohesive unit. Chester tested us throughout the game, but we achieved a deserved victory.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fourth position in National League 2 North and Chester tenth. 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