Leicester Lions v Preston Grasshoppers

Leicester Lions 25: Tries: Devon Constant (7 min, 24 min, 49 min), Sam Benjamin (56 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (50 min); Penalties: (63 min);

Preston Grasshoppers: Tries: Christian Taylor (37 min); Sean Taylor (28 min);

Lions were looking to break the run of defeats in their last two fixtures.

It was a mild pleasant April afternoon for the Hoppers visit to Westleigh Park. Sun greeted the start of the game with a zephyr of a wind across the pitch being of little advantage to either side. The pitch surface was firm, but slightly greasy on top. In the second half it clouded over, with a sprinkling of seasonal spring rain.

The game started with Lions putting Hoppers under pressure, from some excellent combined forwards and backs play.

On 7 mins Lions’ left wing Devon Constant pressured his way over against the Hoppers defence for one of his characteristic runs for a try to open the score, 5-0.

On 24 mins continued pressure by Lions allowed Devon Constant to make a similar run and score his second try, making the score 10-0.

After this initial period Hoppers came back into the game and Lions showed a little indiscipline.

On 27 mins Lions’ John Murdoch was yellow carded for a technical offence.

On 28 mins Hoppers opened their scoring with a penalty scored by their fullback Sean Taylor.

On 36 mins Lions’ Charlie Beckett was yellow carded for a technical offence.

Hoppers made good use of the numerical advantage and in a period of excellent play ran Lions across the pitch to and fro culminating in hooker Christian Taylor going over for a try to make the score 10-8.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 10 Preston Grasshoppers 8

After half time Hoppers were still having the better of the play, but when both yellow cards had been served Lions came back into the game re-establishing their advantage.

Again Lions worked the ball out to Devon Constant who went over after 49 mins to complete his hat-trick of tries, converted by Jon Boden, giving Lions a 17-8 lead.

To prove that Lions are not a one person scoring machine, electric winger Sam Benjamin sprinted away for the fourth Lions’ try of the game on 56 mins. Giving Lions a 22-8 lead and a bonus point.

Lions’ Jon Boden added a penalty on 63 mins.

In the last fifteen minutes both sides had opportunities, but neither managed to add to their tally.

Full Time: Leicester lions 25 Preston Grasshoppers 8.

A game in which both teams competed, with some open and running play. Lions enjoyed a well deserved victory, but Hoppers strove well. Some indiscipline by Lions led to them receiving two yellow cards, when Hoppers made the best of their numerical advantage.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that this was a good comeback from two defeats by league leaders Macclesfield and handily placed Caldy. The club is proud of the way the team came back reinvigorated after these two results. Although Devon played superbly for his three tries, he had excellent support from the rest of the team.

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

Many thanks to Chris Barker for the suggestion of the word ‘zephyr’ in the match report.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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