Luctonians 8 Leicester Lions 26

League Points: 0-5

Luctonians 8: Tries: Henry Monkley (71 min); Penalties: Louis Silver (27 min)

Leicester Lions 26: Tries: Aniseko Sio (10 min), Oliver Taylor (22 min), Sam Benjamin (57 min), Danny Hartwell (63 min); Conversions: James Grayson (11 min, 58 min, 64 min);

After the Christmas and New Year break Lions started 2017 with a trip to Luctonians, based near Leominster. A picturesque, less well known part of England, which is well worth a visit at more clement times of the year.

It was an overcast afternoon with typical January conditions. Fortunately the worst of the frost that had occurred earlier in the week had disappeared.

The game started with Lions producing some powerful forward play. It was not long before Lions showed their upper hand with prop Aniseko Sio scoring a try from driving tight play after 10 minutes, with James Grayson adding the conversion.

Luctonians showed some gritty defensive play, but after 22 minutes Lions’ hooker Oliver Taylor went over to add the second try of the game.

Luctonians’ scrum half Louis Silver added a penalty on 27 minutes to keep the home side in touch at 3-12.

Lions’ Jonathan Boden was yellow carded on 28 minutes.

Half Time: Luctonians 3 Leicester Lions 12

The second half continued in much the same vain as the first half, with powerful play by Lions and dogged resistance by Luctonians.

Luctonians’ Ashley Horner was yellow carded on 49 minutes.

Lions started to exhibit some classy running play with excellent speedy breaks by their winger Ben Marfo.

Lions’ winger Sam Benjamin went over in the corner for a try in the corner after 57 minutes, with James Grayson adding the conversion.

On 63 minutes another break by Ben Marfo led to Lions No 8 Danny Hartwell powering over for Lions’ fourth try, with James Grayson again adding the conversion, to make the score 3-26.

Lions’ second row Matt Tuckey was yellow carded on 67 minutes.

Luctonians’ resolute and gutsy performance was rewarded with a try by back row Henry Monkley on 71 minutes.

Full Time: Luctonians 8 Leicester Lions 26

A good performance by Lions, with some strong forward play that allowed them to open up the play in the second half. Much credit to Luctonians for defending well and competitive play throughout the game.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that this was a game where Lions’ forward gave a good account of themselves. They competed well and allowed the backs to come more into the game in the second half. Luctonians are to be congratulated on the way they stuck to their task at hand and make it a competitive game. After the break it was most pleasing to see Lions start the New Year with a good win.

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

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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