Leicester Lions 24 Chester 19

League Points: 5-1

Leicester Lions 24: Tries: Devon Constant (2 min), Elliot Bale (23 min), James Grayson (35 min), Harry Mahoney (77 min); Conversions: Elliot Bale (3 min), James Grayson (36 min);

Chester 19: Tries: Shaun Strudwick (57 min); Conversions: Callum Bennett (58 min); Penalties: Callum Bennett (21 min, 39 min, 66 min); Drop Goal: Callum Bennett (62 min);

Chester travelled to Westleigh Park, Blaby, for an eagerly anticipated game between fourth placed Lions and fifth placed Chester.

It was an overcast, but dry, afternoon on a mild early Spring day, with a slight breeze across the pitch, which was of no particular advantage to either side.

The game started with Lions producing some dominating running play. Following some excellent driving play by the forwards, Lions’ winger, Devon Constant, drove over from short distance to open the scoring with a try on 2 minutes, with Elliot Bale adding the conversion.

The play became evenly balanced and Chester’s fly-half, Callum Bennett, kicked a penalty to open their scoring on 21 minutes.

Lions soon showed one of the real bits of class of the game. They had good possession attacking the Chester line in mid-field position. A lovely cross field diagonal run by Devon Constant cut across and out witted the Chester defence, for the ball to be fed out to Elliot Bale to score the try on 23 minutes and put Lions 12-3 in the lead.

On 35 minutes Lions’ James Grayson produced a cheeky chip over the top of the Chester defence, which he caught himself to go over for a try, which he converted.

Lions offended and Chester’s Callum Bennett added a penalty to keep them in the game.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 19 Chester 6

Chester started to show their grit and came more into the game, but Lions were demonstrating some effective defence.

Chester continued to put Lions under pressure and on 57 minutes Chester’s pack drove Lions back and their prop Shaun Strudwick went over for a try, with Callum Bennett adding the conversion, making the score 19-13.

Chester continued their pressure and Callum Bennett added a drop goal on 62 minutes to reduce the points deficit.

Lions’ Danny Hartwell was yellow carded for a technical offence on 66 minutes.

The indiscipline by Lions conceded a penalty which the reliable boot of Callum Bennett slotted between the posts. With 66 minutes gone the scores were level at 19-19.

Both sides had opportunities, but in the closing period of the game Lions put Chester under pressure with some determined play. The pressure told and on 77 minutes Lions’ hooker, Harry Mahoney, drove over to score Lions’ fourth try and re-establish the lead. This gave Lions the four try bonus point.

There was some competitive play to complete the game, but neither side was able to add to their points tally.

On 79 minutes Chester’s David Ford was yellow carded for a technical offence.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 24 Chester 19

A compelling competitive contest between two teams wishing to make a game of it.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that it was a good game and we felt that we played with composure. Obviously a game between the fourth and fifth placed sides in the league is going to be a closely matched event. Although the points count was close, it was good to show our positive and attacking rugby with a four to one try count in our favour and obtain the four try bonus point.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fourth position in National League 2 North, with Chester in fifth place.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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