South Leicester 18 Leicester Lions 19

League Points 1-4

South Leicester 18: Tries: Will Cave (38 mins), Aaron Martin (52 mins); Conversions: Rickie Aley (38 mins); Penalties: Rickie Aley (35 mins, 69 mins)

Leicester Lions 19: Tries: Devon Constant (41 mins), Sam Benjamin (60 mins, 80 mins); Conversions: Jon Boden (41 mins, 60 mins);

It was an overcast and rainy afternoon, with the rain clearing in the latter part of the game. A keenly contested local derby was expected.

Much of the first half was evenly contested with neither side able to exert the upper hand. Lions did not help themselves when winger, Constant, received a yellow card for a tackle infringement and then only minutes later Boden and a South Leicester player were sent to the Bin following an altercation reducing the Lions to 13 men.

On 35 minutes fly-half Rickie Aley scored a penalty for South Leicester, quickly followed by a South Leicester try by centre Will Cave, converted by Rickie Aley.

Half Time: South Leicester 10 Leicester Lions 0

Lions came quickly back into the game with a try by winger Devon Constant, converted by Jon Boden, on 41 mins, making the score 10-7.

South Leicester reopened their lead with Aaron Martin collecting a kick through to score a try on 52 mins, making the score 15-7.

Lions retaliated with winger Sam Benjamin crossing for a try on 60 mins, converted by Jon Boden, to make the score 15-14.

On 69 mins Rickie Aley scored a penalty for South Leicester to make the score 18-14.

A nail biting finish was promised, with Lions spending the last ten minutes of the game putting pressure on the South Leicester line.

Although South Leicester defended well, Lions’ Sam Benjamin went over for his second try of the game in the final minute, making the score 18-19.

A most exciting afternoon’s rugby, with both side having opportunities to win the game.

Full Time: South Leicester 18 Leicester Lions 19

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that this had been a keenly contested local derby with both sides having opportunities. Lions showed their class by the pressure at the end of the second half, which led to the winning try.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fourth position in National League 2 North, with the top four clubs all on 9 points. South Leicester are in thirteenth position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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