Leicester Lions v South Leicester

Leicester Lions 43: Tries: Luke Veebel (2 min), Oli Taylor (5 min), Devon Constant (14 min, 17 min), Ben Spokes (42 min), Jon Boden (61 min); Rob Young (67 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (2 min, 15 min, 43 min, 62 min);

South Leicester 7: Tries: Charlie Thacker (66 min); Conversions: Rickie Aley (66 min);

Lions were looking to revenge their defeat away at South Leicester earlier in the season and extend their recent run of high scoring wins against Preston Grasshoppers and Broadstreet.

It was a sunny April afternoon at Westleigh Park, but with a chilling breeze blowing down the pitch. South Leicester had the advantage of wind in the first half.

The game started with Lions putting South Leicester under pressure with some explosive action in the first quarter of the game. A maelstrom of activity led to four Lions’ tries in this period.

Luke Veebel raced away from the South Leicester defence to open the scoring with a try after two minutes. This was quickly followed by powerful forwards play by Lions and hooker Oli Taylor going over for a typical front row try from tight play.

Open flowing play by Lions soon gave winger Devon Constant two opportunities to out power and out run the South Leicester defence and add another two tries.

Jon Boden added two conversions to the first four tries and Lions were 24-0 up after 17 minutes. Lions had already acquired a bonus point for the four tries scored.

It would have been easy for South Leicester to drop their heads after such an onslaught, but they came back well, taking the game to Lions. They were particularly powerful in the scrum and lineout and certainly put Lions under pressure.

Both sides had opportunities but there was no extra scoring in the first half.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 24 South Leicester 0

Lions now had the advantage of the wind in the second half. The sky clouded over and the chill of a Spring late afternoon could be felt.

Lions sprung out of the starting gate like greyhounds and Ben Spokes soon crashed over for Lions’ second front row try of the afternoon, converted by Jon Boden.

Again South Leicester were not going to give up easily and there was a period of even play.

At the start of the final quarter Lions upped their pressure again. Following a period of pressure their fly-half, Jon Boden, elegantly and majestically floated his way through the South Leicester defence to score a try, which he converted.

South Leicester showed some character with a forward drive against Lions which led to a try by Charlie Thacker, converted by Rickie Aley.

Lions quickly responded when Rob Young drove through to score Lions’ seventh try of the afternoon.

Both sides had opportunities in the last ten minutes of the game, but neither side managed to add to their score.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 43 South Leicester 7

A game in which both teams competed, with some exciting play. Lions performed well in the open forwards and backs play, but found South Leicester a good scrummaging and lineout team.

Leicester Lions’ Head Coach, Andy Key, said that this has been part of a sequence of three significant wins against Preston Grasshoppers, Broadstreet and South Leicester. We are developing as a side, with a good set of recent games, promising an exciting future. A splendid all round performance by the team.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in third position and South Leicester in twelfth position in National League 2 North, with Macclesfield already champions 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