Leicester Lions 23 Sale FC 5

League Points 4-0

Leicester Lions 23: Tries: Jon Boden (5 min), Ian Smith (25 min), Kris McFedries (55 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (6 min); Penalties: James Grayson (11 min), Jon Boden (20 min)

Sale 5: Tries: Chris Townsend (32 min)

Leicester Lions were keen to make amends for their defeat last week at lowly placed Harrogate. They had tough opposition in second placed Sale FC.

It was a cloudy, breezy afternoon, with a sprinkling of rain during the game. The breeze was mainly across the pitch with Lions taking a slight advantage from the wind in the first half.

Lions started with purpose, with some lovely flowing rugby, putting Sale under pressure. An excellent attack by Lions moved out to the backs when Jon Boden produced a delightful dummy move looking like he was going to pass out of the back of his hand to the winger, but elegantly floated through the opposition defence to score a try on 5 minutes, which he converted, making the score 7-0.

Lions' classy play continued with them adding penalties by James Grayson and Jon Boden.

In a sweeping move Lions full back, Ian Smith, came into the line and broke through the Sale FC defence to add the second Lions’ try of the game.

Following a fracas on 31 minutes Liam Hills (Lions) and Joe Kelly (Sale FC) were both yellow carded.

Sale FC responded with some powerful forward play putting the Lions line under pressure. Although Lions defended well Sale FC scrum half, Chris Townsend, found a gap to go over for a try following forward pressure, making the score 18-5.

A free flowing first half of rugby by Leicester Lions.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 18 Sale FC 5

The second half started with balanced play between the two sides. Some lack of discipline by Sale FC led to two yellow cards on 50 minutes – Jack Moorhouse and Gareth Rawlins – which left them at a numerical disadvantage. Lions made good use of this situation and following powerful forward play, Kris McFedries dived over to give Lions their third try of the game after 55 minutes, making the score 23-5.

Sale FC played well in the second half, without either side able to get the upper hand. In an even half both sides had opportunities, but both defences played with conviction.

On 70 minutes Leicester Lions winger, Devon Constant, was yellow carded.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 23 Sale FC 5

A keenly contested entertaining game with both sides having opportunities. A sparkling performance by Leicester Lions in the first half allowed them to attain a comeback win following last week’s defeat at Harrogate.

In spite of there being five yellow cards this was a well contested game, and very physical.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that Sale FC had been strong opposition, but determined effort by Lions had allowed us a most pleasing victory. It has been excellent to see the team spirit developing at Leicester Lions.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fourth position in National League 2 North, with Sale FC in second position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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