Leicester Lions 17 Sheffield 21

Leicester Lions 17 Sheffield 21

League Points: 1-4

Leicester Lions 17: Tries: Tainne Finn (7), Ollie Tapscott (26); Conversions: Jon Boden (8, 27); Penalties: Jon Boden (12);

Sheffield 21: Tries: Jon France (38), Rupert Broadley (41); Conversions: Steve Depledge (39); Penalties: Steve Depledge (6, 60), Will Hodgson (66);

It was an afternoon for running rugby with the pitch at Blaby having dried out to give an excellent playing surface, much to the credit of Lions’ ground staff team. Leicester Lions must have fancied their chances against bottom of the table Sheffield, but there are no easy games in National League 2 North.

The game started with even play with both sides having opportunities, but Steve Depledge was first to put points on the board with a penalty for Sheffield after 6 minutes.

From the kick-off Lions quickly worked their way up the pitch where their fly-half, Tainne Finn, had a scissoring run through and outpacing the Sheffield defence to score a try for Lions, converted by Jon Boden, after 7 minutes, making the score 7-3.

Boden added a penalty for Lions after 12 minutes.

On 24 minutes Sheffield’s Jon France was yellow carded.

After 26 minutes Lions took advantage of their numerical superiority when, following some smart interchanges, Ollie Tapscott drove through the Sheffield defence and over the line to score Lions’ second try, with Boden adding the conversion to make the score 17-3.

It looked like the game was going Lions way.

On 35 minutes Lions’ Matt Tuckey was yellow carded.

On 38 minutes, with Sheffield back to full strength, it was their turn to make use of the numerical advantage when France went over the try line from a rolling maul, with Depledge adding the conversion, making the score 17-10.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 17 Sheffield 10

After the interval Sheffield continued their end of first half pressure. A speedy run by Sheffield full back Fergus Wood was completed by a skilful cultured sleight of foot kick, which was picked up by winger Rupert Broadley, who outpaced the Lions’ defence, to score a well crafted try, making the score 17-15.

After 60 minutes Depledge added another penalty for Sheffield, to take them into the lead at 17-18.

On 66 minutes Will Hodgson added a penalty for Sheffield to stretch their lead to 17-21.

On 69 minutes Lions’ Ollie Tapscott was yellowed carded for a technical offence.

Being a player down was always going to make it difficult for Lions to make a comeback impression.

Sheffield put pressure on Lions in the latter part of the game.

On 79 minutes Lions’ Drew Rudkin was yellow carded.

Final Score: Leicester Lions 17 Sheffield 21

A competitive game which either side could have won, but Sheffield received their due reward for a spirited comeback.

Leicester Lions are in tenth 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