Leicester Lions 24 Tynedale 20

League Points 5-1

Leicester Lions 24: Tries: Ethan Phillips (8 min), Jamel Hamilton (21 min), Devon Constant (27 min), Sam Benjamin (79 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (9 min, 22 min);

Tynedale 20: Tries: James Clark (31 min), Louis Frankland (35 min), Matt Outson (72min); Conversions: Ashley Smith (36 min); Penalty: Ashley Smith (42 min)

It was an overcast and rainy afternoon, with the rain clearing in the latter part of the game. Lions and Tynedale had contested two closely fought games last season, with away wins on both occasions.

Lions started with entertaining and forceful play, putting Tynedale quickly under pressure.

Scrum half Ethan Phillips opened the scoring for Lions after 8 mins with a try, followed by a try by Lions’ centre Jamel Hamilton after 21 mins. Ever dependable kicker Jon Boden added the two conversions and Lions were 14-0 in the lead.

Lions soon added a third try, by winger Devon Constant, after 27 mins, to open up their lead to 19-0.

A resurgent Tynedale side were not a team to give up easily.

Tynedale’s winger James Clark scored a try on 31 mins and hooker Louis Frankland added to second after 35 mins. Ashley Smith added the conversion to the second try and Tynedale were very much back in the game at 19-12.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 19 Tynedale 12

After the restart Ashley Smith added a penalty for Tynedale, closing the gap to 19-15.

The middle of the second half consisted of well contested play between two evenly matched sides.

On 65 mins Lions’ Sam Lewis was yellow carded.

Tynedale took advantage of the ensuing numerical superiority and on 72 mins Tynedale went into the lead with a try by Matt Outson making the score 19-20.

There was a fast and furious remainder of the game and on 79 mins Lions’ winger Sam Benjamin speed over for the winning try to make the score 24-20.

A most exciting afternoon’s rugby.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that it had been a pleasing win from an equally contested game. Lots of positive matters and plenty of skills to build upon. We have had some exciting new players join the club and the work of head coach, Andy Key, is making an excellent impression.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in first position in National League 2 North, with Tynedale in eleventh position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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