League Points 4-0
Stourbridge 23: Tries: Sam Pailor (35), Llyr Griffiths (61), Dan Rundle (70); Conversions: Chris Scott (36); Penalties: Chris Scott (5, 7);
Leicester Lions 12: Tries: James Wise (56), Reece Harris (79); Conversions: Jon Boden (80);
After a postponed match last week because of a waterlogged pitch Lions were keen to be competing in a rugby game.
It was always going to be a tough afternoon for Lions against second placed Stourbridge.
Two penalties for Stourbridge by their fly-half Chris Scott got them off to a good early start to the game, making the score 6-0.
On 18 minutes Stourbridge’s Joe Heatley was yellow carded.
With Stourbridge one player down Lions put Stourbridge under pressure, but could not cross the try line.
On 35 minutes Stourbridge’s No 8 and skipper Sam Pailor picked up from the back of a scrum and drove over for a try, with Scott adding the conversion.
Half Time: Stourbridge 13 Leicester Lions 0
After half time Lions started to come back into the game. On 56 minutes Lions’ winger James Wise slipped past the Stourbridge defence to score in the corner to open Lions try account and make the score 13-5.
On 60 minutes Lions’ Tom Aviss was yellow carded.
On 61 minutes Stourbridge made the best of the numerical advantage with their second row Llyr Griffiths adding their second try from a forward drive that went over in the corner.
On 70 minutes a Stourbridge break through the Lions’ defence allowed winger Dan Rundle to score their third try, making the score 23-5.
Stourbridge were keen to score the fourth try for a bonus point, but Lions defended well.
On 76 minutes Lions’ Drew Rudkin was yellow carded.
In spite of the numerical disadvantage, in the final move of the game Lions’ debutant Reece Harris scored their second try, with Jon Boden adding the conversion, making the score 23-12.
Full Time: Stourbridge 23 Leicester Lions 12
An exciting competitive game with both sides having good spells of play. Stourbridge were keen to consolidate their position in the leading group in National League 2 North.
Lions played well in sticking to the task in hand and coming back to score at the end of the game.
A well deserved win by Stourbridge, but Lions came back and competed well in the second half.
Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in ninth position in National League 2 North, with Stourbridge in second position, in a tight top of the table group.
For further details consult www.ncarugby.org
Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC
mikehowkins@gmail.com
Photo by Ceri Davies