Leicester Lions 32 Otley 25

League Points 5-1

Leicester Lions 32: Tries: Devon Constant (3 min), Ollie Tapscott (14 min), Drew Rudkin (27 min), James Grayson (38 min); Conversions: James Grayson (15 min, 28 min, 39 min); Drop Goal: James Grayson (9 min); Penalties: James Grayson (79 min)

Otley: Tries: Paul Petchey (17 min, 69 min), Tom Hodson (57 min); Conversions: Tom Hodson (18 min, 58 min); Penalties: Tom Hodson (6 min, 12 min)

Leicester Lions expected a challenging afternoon against mid-table Otley. Lions were looking for a win after a postponed match last week at Preston Grasshoppers and two defeats in the weeks before that.

It was a cold but dry and chilly afternoon. When the power went out of the sun in the second half one could feel the effects of the onset of winter. There was a slight easterly breeze, but this had little effect on play.

The game started with Lions having possession and taking the ball to Otley. Pressure on Otley led to Lions working the ball out to Devon Constant on the wing, for him to drive over and open Lions’ scoring with a try on 3 minutes.

Otley soon came back when Tom Hodson soon retaliated with a penalty.

Continued Lions’ pressure on the Otley line led to Lions’ fly-half James Grayson taking the drop goal option and make the score 8-3.

Again Tom Hodson quickly responded for Otley with a penalty.

Lions added their second try on 14 minutes when second row Ollie Tapscott rampaged through the Otley defence to score, with James Grayson adding the conversion. Fifteen minutes gone and Lions were 15-6 in the lead.

Otley were not going to take the game lying down and winger Paul Petchey outpaced the Lions defence to score a try, with Tom Hodson adding the conversion, making the score 15-13.

Luke Chadwick, for Otley, was yellow carded on 25 minutes.

Lions upped their pace with back row Drew Rudkin driving through for a try, converted by James Grayson.

At the end of the first half Lions’ James Grayson sliced through the Otley defence to score a try and add the conversion.

Lions went in for half time break 29-13 in the lead. Four tries in the first half for Lions and the bonus point secured.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 29 Otley 13

There was some enterprising play at the start of the second half, with both sides having opportunities. It looked like an extra try for Lions might have sealed the game. Otley started to come back into the game with some nippy skilful play.

On 57 minutes Otley’s full back, Tom Hodson, ran through the Lions’ defence for a try, adding the conversion himself.

Lions’ Devon Constant was yellow carded on 62 minutes.

Some excellent running play by Otley put their winger, Paul Petchey, away for his second try on 69 minutes, making the score 29-25. The game was looking as if either side could have the opportunity to win, but both sides were defending well.

On 79 minutes James Grayson for Lions added a penalty, which eased the pressure on them a little.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 32 Otley 25

A competitive game, between two well matched sides. An excellent come back by Otley. An exciting game for the spectators, but a nail biting time for the Lions’ supporters.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that it was good to get back on track with an exciting win. The team was tested by Otley, but held their nerve well to take the five point victory.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fifth position in National League 2 North, with Otley in ninth position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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