1st XV
Matches
Sat 19 Mar 2016  ·  National League 2 North
Leicester Lions Rugby Football Club
1st XV
15
20
Macclesfield
Leicester Lions v Maccelsfield

Leicester Lions v Maccelsfield

Clive Elliott21 Mar 2016 - 20:11
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https://www.lionsrfc.co.uk/tea

Lions 15 Maccelsfield 20

Leicester Lions 15: Tries: Devon Constant (2min, 23 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (3 min); Penalties: Jon Boden (55min)

Macclesfield 20: Tries: Matt King (16 min), Lewis Barker (50 min), Joshua Fowles (57 min); Conversions: Lewis Barker (50 min); Penalties: Lewis Barker (68 min)

Lions were expecting a tough game against runaway league leaders Macclesfield.

It was a cloudy afternoon, with the pitch in good dry condition, but a chilling northerly wind was blowing across the pitch.

The game started with Lions putting Macclesfield under pressure with some free-flowing play. The ball was worked out to Lions’ winger Devon Constant who went over to produce a try and open the scoring after two minutes. Jon Boden added the conversion.

Lions were playing well but Macclesfield soon responded with their winger Matt King scoring a try after 16 minutes, reducing Lions’ lead to 7-5.

Again Lions were on the attack, with the ball skilfully running out along the line to Devon Constant. Devon is a difficult player to stop when he has the line in sight and thunderously bulldozed his way through five or six Macclesfield defenders to score a try to stretch Lions’ lead after 23 minutes.

Both sides played open and running play in the remainder of the first half, but neither was able to break through two well organised defences.

An excellent period of play by Lions.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 12 Macclesfield 5

Just after the start of the second half both sides showed lack of discipline with three yellow cards in quick succession. Ben Spokes on 44 minutes for Lions, Harrison Lewis on 48 minutes for Macclesfield and Joe Collingham on 49 minutes for Lions.

Macclesfield took full advantage of Lions being down to 13 players when Lewis Barker sped away to score a try, which he converted, after 50 minutes, making the score 12-12.

Jon Boden added a penalty after 55 minutes for Lions and they regained the lead.

Macclesfield quickly responded with their winger Joshua Fowles scoring a try after 57 minutes and they were back in the lead 15-17.

With both sides back to full strength the play became more even.

Both sides had opportunities, but Macclesfield added the only points of the remainder of the game, with a penalty by Lewis Barker after 68 minutes.

Lions put Macclesfield under some pressure towards the end of game, but were unable to convert that into points.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 15 Macclesfield 20

An exciting game between two well matched teams with competitive play. Lions had the better of the first half and Macclesfield played better after the break.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that this was a good game, with Lions challenging Macclesfield throughout the game. Macclesfield are a good side and we competed well against them.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in third position in National League 2 North, with Macclesfield 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

Match details

Match date

Sat 19 Mar 2016

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

National League 2 North
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Player Sponsor - Burger King
Player sponsor - RDP Interiors