Scunthorpe 15 Leicester Lions 17

League Points: 1-4

Scunthorpe: Tries: Ash Dibden (13 min), James Dyson (71 min), Jake Barron (77 min);

Leicester Lions: Tries: Liam Hills (23 min), Jamel Hamilton (40 min), Marco Dallavalle (75 min); Conversions: Elliot Bale (76 min);

Leicester Lions were looking to get back on the winning trail after last week’s close defeat at Stourbridge.

The game started with even play but soon Scunthorpe’s centre Ash Dibden drove over to open the scoring with a try after 13 minutes.

It did not take Lions long to respond when prop Liam Hills went over from a lineout to level the score at 5-5 on 23 minutes.

In the closing stages of the first half Lions’ centre Jamel Hamilton took his opportunity to score a try following some loose handling by Scunthorpe.

Half Time: Scunthorpe 5 Leicester Lions 10

During much of the second half there were opportunities for both sides, but neither side could add to their account.

In the last ten minutes of the game there was a rush of scoring. Scunthorpe’s wing forward James Dyson took the ball at a lineout and was driven over by their pack, levelling the score at 10-10 on 71 minutes.

It did not take Leicester Lions very long to make a comeback with their No 8 Marco Dallavalle driving over for a try on 75 minutes, with debutant Elliot Bale adding the conversion, putting Lions 10-17 in the lead.

In the closing minutes of the game Scunthorpe mounted pressure on Lions to make their mark on the game. Scunthorpe’s No 8 Jake Barron slipped over for a try from a lineout on 77 minutes, but again the conversion was missed, making the score 15-17 and Leicester Lions the winners.

Full Time: Scunthorpe 15 Leicester Lions 17

A good solid performance by both sides, in a competitive game. Both teams had opportunities and either side could have won. Both sides scored three tries a piece, but there was only one conversion during the match.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that it was a close game, with Lions defending well and contesting the game in an effective competitive manner to take the away win. It was good to come away with the win, after last week’s disappointing close loss at Stourbridge.

Following this week’s games, Scunthorpe is in thirteenth position and Leicester Lions remain in fourth position in National League 2 North. Caldy seem to be dominating the league in first place. Second placed Sale will take a bit of catching, but a few good results by Lions could make closing the gap possible.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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