Sale FC 48 Leicester Lions 10

League Points: 5-0

Sale 48: Tries: Aaron Reed (17, 59), Ciaran Connolly (22, 39), Christian Taylor (66, 76), Jake Barron (80); Conversions: Christopher Johnson (18, 23, 60, 77), Jake Barron (80); Penalties: Christopher Johnson (42)

Leicester Lions 10: Tries: Henry Clement (52); Conversions: Jon Boden (53); Penalties: Jon Boden (9);

Leicester Lions started the 2017-2018 season with an away trip to Sale, based in south-west Manchester. Sale were league runners up last season, so it was always going to be tough fixture.

Lions opened the scoring with a penalty by Jon Boden after 9 minutes.

In the second quarter of the first half Sale started to gain the upper hand.

As Sale opened their account good work by their wingers produced results. Sale winger, Aaron Reed, scored their first try on 17 minutes, with their other winger, Ciaran Connolly, quickly adding their second try on 22 minutes. Christopher Johnson added two conversions.

In the final minutes of the first half Ciaran Johnson added his second try to make the score 19-3 at half time.

Half Time: Sale FC 19 Leicester Lions 3

Sale added a penalty by Christopher Johnson just after half time stretching their lead to 22-3.

Lions came back on 52 minutes with a try by Henry Clement, converted by Jon Boden, making the score 22-10. Lions were still in touch with the game.

In the last quarter Sale started to draw away from Lions. Aaron Reed added his second try with Christopher Johnson adding the conversion.

For Sale replacement Christian Taylor quickly added a try, making the score 34-10.

For Lions Drew Rudkin was yellow carded on 75 minutes.

Sale took advantage of their numerical superiority with a second try by Christian Taylor, with Christopher Johnson adding the conversion.

In the final minutes of the game Sale’s back row, Jake Barron, scored their seventh try of the afternoon, adding the conversion himself.

Full Time: Sale FC 48 Leicester Lions 10

A good win by Sale, scoring seven tries, gaining the bonus point. Obviously it was a disappointing result for Lions, but they stuck to their task throughout the game.

Leicester Lions’ new head coach, Jack Heald, said that it was tough game against a good side. The two late tries after Lions’ yellow card made Lions’ defeat look worse than we deserved.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in sixteenth position in National League 2 North, with Sale FC as league leaders.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC

mikehowkins@gmail.com

Photo by Bev Clough Photography