Wharfedale 21 Leicester Lions 23

League Points 1-4

Wharfedale 21: Tries: Joe Altham (26 min), Josh Burridge (59 min), Harry Bullough (80 min); Conversions: Jamie Guy (27 min, 60 min, 80 min)

Leicester Lions 23: Tries: Devon Constant (8 min), Jamel Hamilton (72 min); Conversions: Jon Boden (9 min, 73 min); Penalties: James Grayson (21 min), Jon Boden (30 min); Drop Goal: James Grayson (14 min)

Leicester Lions were expecting a testing afternoon against Wharfedale, at Threshfield, near Grassington and Skipton, in the most picturesque Yorkshire Dales. The autumn leaves showed the countryside at its scenic best, but Leicester Lions had not come to admire the vista.

It was a mild autumn afternoon, excellent for flowing rugby.

Wharefdale put Lions under pressure early on, but it was an enthusiastic Lions side who were first to open the scoring. Lions took a Wharfedale lineout and worked the ball out to their winger Devon Constant. His trademark powerful running took him, shrugging off tackles, over the line to score a try on 8 minutes, converted by Jon Boden.

For Lions James Grayson soon added a drop goal and a penalty to put Lions in the lead 0-13, after 21 minutes.

On 26 minutes Wharfedale’s Joe Altham broke from the back of a maul to drive over for a try, converted by Jamie Guy.

Lions quickly added a penalty by Jon Boden to make the score 7-16.

Half Time: Wharfedale 7 Leicester Lions 16

The second half started with even play. On 59 minutes Wharfedale added a try by Josh Burridge from another driving maul, converted by Jamie Guy, closing the gap to 14-16.

On 69 minutes Wharedale’s George Hedgley was yellow carded for foul play.

Lions took advantage of the situation with a break by Drew Rudkin, who slipped the ball to Jamel Hamilton who scored the try. Jon Boden added the conversion making the score 14-23.

In the last play of the game Harry Bullough added a try for Wharfedale, converted by Jamie Guy, to give the home team a losing bonus point.

Full Time: Wharfedale 21 Leicester Lions 23

A keenly competed game with both sides having opportunities. Lions held out well to combat the Wharfedale comeback.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said we got what we expected – a tough contest against Wharfedale. It was excellent to see how the team applied themselves throughout the game. A euphoric and well deserved victory, keeping us in contention in the group at the top of the table.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fourth position in National League 2 North, with Wharfedale in fifteenth position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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