Huddersfield 29 Leicester Lions 12

League Points 5-0

Huddersfield: Tries: Alex Battye (24, 69), Adam Malthouse (55), Penalty Try (75); Conversions: Joel Hinchliffe (25), Lewis Workman (70); Penalties: Joel Hinchliffe (51);

Leicester Lions 12: Tries: Ollie Tapscott (60), Tainne Finn (64); Conversions: Jon Boden (61);

This week Leicester Lions were away at Huddersfield, based in Yorkshire. They have a picturesque venue, with a most impressive railway viaduct crossing the corner of the ground. Following up last week’s postponed game at Chester, Lions were keen to be playing rugby.

The first half was a tight game, with both sides having opportunities and Lions playing well on the counter-attack.

As the half progressed Huddersfield put Lions’ line under pressure and Huddersfield’s prop, Alex Battye, forced his way over the line to score the opening try of the game, with Joel Hinchliffe adding the conversion.

This was the only score of the first half.

Half Time: Huddersfield 7 Leicester Lions 0

Hinchliffe put Huddersfield further ahead on 51 minutes with a penalty.

On 55 minutes Huddersfield second-row, Adam Malthouse, powered his way through the Lions’ defence to score their second try and opening up a useful 15-0 lead.

Lions started off a revival with their second-row, Ollie Tapscott, driving through with a run from the 22-metre line to score their first try on 60 minutes, with Jon Boden adding the conversion.

With their tails up Lions quickly added to their score with a dancing run by Tainne Finn going through the Huddersfield defence to add Lions’ second try to make the score 15-12. Both sides now had something to play for.

On 68 minutes Lions Luke Veebel was yellow carded.

Making the best of their numerical advantage Huddersfield’s Battye went over from a rolling maul to re-establish their lead, Lewis Workman adding the conversion, and making the score 22-12 on 69 minutes.

On 71 minutes Huddersfield’s Nick Sharpe and Lions’ Will Roberts were both yellow carded.

Huddersfield upped their pressure on Lions and on 75 minutes Lions conceded a penalty try, with Huddersfield stretching their lead to 29-12.

A fast and furious last quarter of the game.

Full Time: Huddersfield 29 Leicester Lions 12

A deserved win for Huddersfield, but Lions gave them a fright with their second-half comeback.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in tenth position in National League 2 North, with Huddersfield in sixth position, somewhat below the group of five dominating at the top of the table.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

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