League Points: 0-5
Macclesfield 12: Tries: Rhodri Mayor (10), David Marwick (33); Conversions: Lewis Barker (34);
Leicester Lions 25: Tries: Devon Constant (17), Liam Hills (26), James Morgan (70), Olly Taylor (76); Conversions: Jon Boden (71); Penalties: Jon Boden (37);
It has been a disappointing start to the 2017-18 season for Leicester Lions with four consecutive defeats. Away at Macclesfield has always been a challenging fixture for Lions. In 2016-17 Macclesfield played in National League 1, but were relegated at the end of the season.
Macclesfield were first to put points on the board when winger Rhodri Mayor collected a kick and went over for a try after 10 minutes.
Lions’ winger Devon Constant replied with a try on 17 minutes to level the score.
On 25 minutes Rhodri Mayor for Macclesfield was yellow carded.
Lions took advantage of the situation with prop Liam Hills driving over for a try after 26 minutes to give them the lead 5-10.
On 33 minutes Macclesfield’s second row David Marwick went over for a try, with Lewis Barker adding the conversion and Macclesfield regained the lead 12-10.
Lions’ Jon Boden added a penalty after 37 minutes for them to retake the lead 12-13.
In the last minute of the first half Macclesfield’s hooker Sam Moss was red carded.
Half Time: Macclesfield 12 Leicester Lions 13
The third quarter of the game was evenly contested with both sides having opportunities.
On 69 minutes Joe Palmer for Macclesfield was yellow carded.
Lions also made the best of their numerical advantage with full-back James Morgan adding a try on 70 minutes, with Boden adding the conversion and Lions stretching their lead to 12-20.
In spite of Lions’ Alex Knight being yellow carded on 73 minutes, Lions added a late try by Olly Taylor to make the score 12-25.
Full Time: Macclesfield 12 Leicester Lions 25
A well contested game, with Lions finishing well in the last ten minutes with two tries. Leicester Lions were again ahead on the try count, four tries to two, but this time carried the game to a well deserved victory and a bonus point for four tries.
Devon Constant is leading try scorer in National League 2 North.
Leicester Lions’ head coach, Jack Heald, said that it was an excellent result with a good all-round team performance. It was most pleasing to see Lions finishing the game well and cementing a good result.
Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in eleventh position in National League 2 North, with Macclesfield in ninth position.
For further details consult www.ncarugby.org
Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC
mikehowkins@gmail.com