Leicester Lions 13 Stourbridge 27

League Points: 0-5

Leicester Lions 13: Tries: Devon Constant (63), Jonny Murdoch (78); Penalties: Jon Boden (9);

Stourbridge 27: Tries: Joe Heatley (24), Jack Lea (35), Nick Murphy (56), Penalty Try (67); Conversions: Nick David (25); Penalties: Chris Scott (47)

A keen game was expected between on-form league leaders Stourbridge and Leicester Lions, who had a good run of wins in their last three games.

The playing surface was in excellent condition, but a strong cold wind blew across the pitch throughout game, with occasional light rain.

Both sides started the game well, with evenly contested play. Both sides were playing a tight game in the strong wind.

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

Powerful forward play by Stourbridge started to lead to them taking the upper hand in the game.

On 24 minutes Stourbridge centre Joe Heatley burst through the middle following good forward play to score their opening try of the game, with Nick David adding the conversion, making the score 3-7.

Stourbridge’s forward power was starting to tell and on 35 minutes their prop Jack Lea drove over for a try following pressure on Lions’ line.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 3 Stourbridge 12

On 47 minutes Chris Scott added a penalty for Stourbridge.

Continued Stourbridge pressure led to their second row Nick Murphy going over for a try in the corner on 56 minutes, making the score 3-20.

When it was looking like Stourbridge were making the most of their pressure, Lions made a comeback following some excellent team play.

Lions’ Devon Constant had a powerful run on the wing and drove over to open Lions’ try account on 63 minutes, bringing Lions back into the game, making the score 8-20.

Stourbridge quickly retaliated putting Lions’ line under pressure. An indiscretion by Lions led to them conceding a penalty try on 67 minutes. Under new laws introduced this season penalty tries are worth seven points, with no need for a conversion attempt. Stourbridge had re-established their hold over the game making the score 8-27, scoring their fourth try and gaining their four try bonus point.

Lions’ Drew Rudkin was yellow carded for a technical offence on 68 minutes.

Stourbridge’s Jack Lea was yellow carded for a technical offence on 72 minutes.

It would have been very easy for the game to slip away from Lions, but some exciting team play put Stourbridge under pressure and Lions’ back-row Jonny Murdoch galloped over for Lions’ second try on 78 minutes, making the score 13-27.

A deserved win by Stourbridge, with some powerful forward play, adapting their game strategy for the blustery weather.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 13 Stourbridge 27

A competitive game, with both sides having opportunities. A well crafted win by Stourbridge, but much to their credit, Lions showed good team work and defended well to make it an interesting game.

Leicester Lions’ head coach, Jack Heald, said that it was obviously disappointing to lose to a well organised Stourbridge side, but we felt we stuck to our game and made it a well competed match. There will be a few issues to work on during training sessions.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in seventh position in National League 2 North, with Stourbridge as league leaders with a 100% record, including bonus points for four tries in every game.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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

Photo by Ceri Davies