Leicester Lions 15 Blaydon 8

League Points: 4-1

Leicester Lions 15: Tries: Oli Taylor (14), Tom Aviss (27); Conversions: Jon Boden (15); Penalties: Jon Boden (78);

Blaydon 8: Tries: Matt Thompson (20); Penalties: Joe Whyman (53);

Leicester Lions were keen to get back to playing after the game being postponed last week because of a frozen pitch at Chester.
There had been overnight rain at Blaby, but conditions were almost Spring-like for the fixture against Blaydon, from Tyneside.  There was water on the pitch in the morning, which had mainly drained away for the start of the game. 

Throughout the afternoon the weather was a combination of sun and cloud, with the odd drop of rain, but nothing to worry the players, officials and spectators. 

In the first half, there was a cross-pitch wind, with it being slightly to Blaydon’s favour.

The game started off with even exchanges, with both sides putting pressure on their opponents’ try lines.

On 14 minutes Lions mounted a telling attack on the Blaydon line.  After continued pressure, Lions’ hooker, Oli Taylor, drove over following effective forward pressure to score a try converted by Jon Boden.

On 19 minutes Lions’ winger, Devon Constant, was yellow carded.

Blaydon started to put pressure on the Lions’ line and after 20 minutes they made the most of their numerical advantage with their hooker, Matt Thomson, going over for a try, to make the score 7-5.

Lions soon returned to threatening the Blaydon line and exerting forward pressure. 

On 27 minutes Lions’ scrumhalf, Tom Aviss, followed up the forward pressure and evaded the Blaydon defence, skilfully nipping over to score Lions’ second try.

The remainder of the first half was dominated by evenly balanced play with both sides having opportunities, but defences holding strong.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 12 Blaydon 5

After the break Lions had the slight advantage of the cross-pitch breeze. 
For much of the second half there was evenly balanced play, with the defences holding out.

On 53 minutes a penalty scored by Blaydon’s Joe Whyman brought them back into the game, now being within a try of taking the lead.
Again the game continued with tightly contested well balanced play.

On 78 minutes Boden kicked a penalty to open up Lions lead to 15-8.

After that Blaydon came back putting Lions’ line under pressure again.  Lions defended well but lack of discipline led to them conceding two yellow cards for technical offences – Harry Key on 79 minutes and Simon Johnson on 80 minutes. 

Lions’ valiant defence held Blaydon at bay and stopped them from adding to their score.

The final whistle brought the game to a joyful end for Lions, with them holding out against Blaydon dying minutes’ onslaught.

Final Score: Leicester Lions 15 Blaydon 8

A competitive game where Lions just about deserved their victory, with Blaydon never giving up and ensuring Lions had a testing afternoon.
Leicester Lions are in ninth position in National League 2 North, with Blaydon in fourteenth position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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