Sheffield Tigers 23 Leicester Lions 10

League Points 4-0

Sheffield Tiger 23: Tries: Greg Mellor (35, 71); Conversions: Mark Ireland (36, 72); Penalties: Mark Ireland (25, 55, 60)

Leicester Lions 10: Tries: Luke Veebel (30), Jon Boden (44);

This week Leicester Lions were away at Sheffield Tigers, in South Yorkshire. They were looking to break a run of defeats to avoid dropping too close to the relegation zone.

On an almost Summer’s day, the pitch was in good condition for open rugby, with a breeze across the ground.

The game started off with even exchanges between the two sides, with Lions scrummaging well. As the half developed Lions were increasing their pressure on Tigers. Towards the middle of the first half Tigers started to come back in to the game.

An infringement by Lions gave Tigers a penalty opportunity which was scored by Mark Ireland to give them the lead, 3-0, after 25 minutes.

Lions came back putting Tigers’ line under pressure with their centre, Luke Veebel, crashing through the middle, breaking tackles, to score a try after 30 minutes to open the scoring for Lions, making the score 3-5.

On 35 minutes Tigers broke away from their half with a run through the Lions’ defence for their winger, Greg Mellor, to score a try, which was converted by Ireland.

Half Time: Sheffield Tigers 10 Leicester Lions 5

At the start of the second half Lions had an enterprising attack phase. Following some good interpassing play and excellent attacking lines, wing-forward Simon Johnson drove through the Tigers defence and slipped the ball to Jon Boden, who skipped through to score Lions’ second try and tie the game at 10-10.

On 55 minutes Lions’ wing-forward, Jonny Murdoch, was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on.

The numerical advantage told on Lions and they quickly conceded penalties. Lions’ scrummaging was losing the power and effectiveness of the first half.

On 55 minutes and 60 minutes Ireland put Tigers back in the lead with two penalties, making the score 16-10.

There was play where both sides had opportunities, but Tigers just about had the upper hand.

On 72 minutes a kick out by Lions was charged down by Tigers, with Tigers dribbling the ball through for Mellor to score his second try and Ireland adding the conversion, making the score 23-10.

Full Time: Sheffield Tigers 23 Leicester Lions 10

An enthusiastic home crowd showed their appreciation of the Tigers win that moved them out of the relegation zone.

This was a game in which Lions competed well in the first half, but they lost their forward power after the break.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in twelfth position in National League 2 North, with Sheffield Tigers in tenth position. Sale and Sedgley Park look like they are competing for the first two positions in the league.

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