Sheffield 14 Leicester Lions 7

League Points 4-1

Sheffield 14: Tries: Fergus Wood (62), Lewis Bowman (80); Conversions: Stephen Depledge (62, 80);

Leicester Lions 7: Tries: James Wise (50); Conversions: Jon Boden (50);

Leicester Lions were looking forward to making a comeback after last week’s home defeat against Huddersfield. Sheffield had been promoted to National League 2 North at the end of last season, but stood at last but one position in the league before the game.

It was a cold and damp afternoon, with threats of snow throughout the week.

During the first half both sides had opportunities, but it was very much the defences being on top.

Sheffield’s Stephen Depledge was yellow carded for a technical offence on 22 minutes, but Lions were not able to make anything out of the numerical advantage.

Neither side was able to open their scoring account in the first half.

Half Time: Sheffield 0 Leicester Lions 0

On 50 minutes Lions’ winger James Wise opened the scoring with a try and Jon Boden added the conversion to make the score 0-7.

Sheffield retaliated on 62 minutes when full-back Fergus Wood went over for a try, with Depledge adding the conversion, to tie the score at 7-7.

The remainder of the game was evenly balanced and it was looking like both sides would have to settle for a draw.

In the dying minutes of the game Sheffield’s replacement Lewis Bowman went over for a try, with Depledge again adding the conversion, to make the score 14-7.

Full Time: Sheffield 14 Leicester Lions 7

An afternoon of evenly matched rugby, with both sides having opportunities, but with the two defences having the upper hand.

Leicester Lions’ head coach, Jack Heald, said that this was a disappointing game for Lions. A prime example of where the game is not decided until the game is completed.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in ninth position in National League 2 North, with Sheffield in fifteenth position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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