Leicester Lions v Tynedale

Leicester Lions 29: Tries: Devon Constant (7 min, 41 min, 54 min), Oliver Povaos (47 min), George Nairn (76 min); Conversions: John Hargreaves (42 min, 48 min);

Tynedale 37: Tries: Nick Cairns (13 min), Ashley Smith (19 min), Graeme Dunn (30 min), Dan Marshal (40 min); Conversions: Rob Parker (13 min, 19 min, 31 min, 40 min); Penalties: Rob Parker (3 min, 70 min, 80 min)

It was a sunny, chilly afternoon, with a stiff breeze running down the pitch, which turned to cloud and light rain in the second half. A keenly contested game was expected at Westleigh Park between Leicester Lions needing a win to consolidate their third position in the league and Tynedale in need of points to ensure that they did not slip into the relegation zone.

With the wind at their back Tynedale quickly score a penalty by Rob Parker. Lions retaliated with a powerful run by winger Devon Constant leading to a try.

Tynedale’s powerful scrum and driving play took control of the first half with tries by Nick Cairns, Ashley Smith, Graeme Dunn and Dan Marshal, all converted by Rob Parker.

There was some valiant defence by Leicester Lions to hold the score.

An excellent display by Tynedale to have a 5-31 lead at half time.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 5 Tynedale 31

Lions made a superb comeback at start of the second half.

Devon Constant for Lions drove over on the wing for a try converted by John Hargreaves. Lions’ No 8 Oliver Povaos quickly weaved through for a try, again converted by John Hargreaves. Lions’ winger Devon Constant then sped away to add his hat-trick try to make the score 24-31.

Tynedale’s Rob Parker added a penalty, quickly followed by Lions’ George Nairn thundering through adding Lions’ fifth try to make the score 29-34.

This was an excellent display of character by Lions to come back into the game and possibly sneak a victory.

Tynedale showed their class and composure with Rob Parker adding his third penalty in the closing minutes to seal the victory at 29-37.

Leicester Lions 5 tries, Tynedale 4 tries – a thrilling afternoon.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 29 Tynedale 37

A splendid flowing game. Powerful play by Tynedale in the first half, with an excellent comeback by Lions after the break.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that it had obviously been disappointing to lose to Tynedale after we beat them away, but they were a powerful team who took their chances in the first half and added a couple of second half penalties to maintain their lead. The whole club is proud of the way the team responded in the second half in a reply to the adversity.

Lions’ Chairman, Clive Elliott, said that this has been a most pleasing season with Lions attaining a most credible third position in National League 2 North. The team has worked together well and is forming a cohesive unit. This all bodes well for next year.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in third position and Tynedale in tenth position in National League 2 North, with Macclesfield champions, at the top of the table.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC