Preston Grasshoppers 29 Leicester Lions 0
Saturday 9th February 2019
Hoppers dominate in game against Lions
League Points 5-0
Preston Grasshoppers 29: Tries: James Fitzpatrick (3), Ed Leadbarrow (26, 78), Ryan Carlson (29); Conversions: Tom Davidson (4, 27, 30); Penalties: Tom Davidson (6)
Leicester Lions 0;
It was a chilly and breezy afternoon for the visit of Leicester Lions to Preston Grasshoppers.
In recent weeks Lions have had close games against teams in the upper half of the table, but Hoppers would still be a challenge.
Hoppers made a good start to the game when after 3 minutes their centre James Fitzpatrick took an interception pass and charged over the line to score their opening try, with Tom Davidson adding the conversion.
On 6 minutes Lions concede a penalty, which Davidson put between the posts to give Hoppers a healthy 10-0 lead.
On 26 minutes Hoppers’ back-row, Teddy Leatherborrow, made a break from tight play to find himself in an open position to go over for a try, with Davidson again adding the conversion.
On 29 minutes Hoppers put in a telling run down the pitch for a follow up kick to make its way to second-row, Ryan Carlson, to go over in the corner for Hoppers’ third try, with Davison adding the extras and Hoppers taking a commanding lead at 24-0.
Half Time: Preston Grasshoppers 24 Leicester Lions 0
In the second half Lions started to get a bit more out of the game.
In spite of Lions coming back into the game, they were unable to cross the Hoppers’ try line to open their scoring.
Lions came back at Hoppers, but Hoppers pack and tight play were still powerful and stopped Lions scoring.
Lions held out well in the second half but on 78 minutes Leatherbarrow went over for Hoppers’ to give them a four try bonus point.
Lions put in some valiant effort during the game, but were unable to break through the Hoppers’ defence.
Full Time: Preston Grasshoppers 29 Leicester Lions 0
A good start by Hoppers to hold a 24-0 lead at half-time, but persistence and good tackling brought Lions back into the game in the second half. In the end powerful forward play by Hoppers told, allowing them to get their fourth try and bonus point.
Lions’ head coach, Andy Key, said, “We were expecting a challenging afternoon against Preston Grasshoppers. I felt that although Hoppers had the better of the game, Lions tackled well showing good defensive play. We suffered a few injuries during the match, which disrupted our game plan.”
Following the game Preston Grasshoppers were in ninth position in National League 2 North, with Leicester Lions in being in twelfth position.
Teams – Order 15-9, 1-8, 16-20
Preston Grasshoppers: Nathan Pope, Tyler Spence, Alex Hurst, James Fitzpatrick, Scott Jordan, Tom Davidson, James Gough, Oga Mabaya, Paul Millea, Peter Altham, Adam Howard, Ryan Carlson, Alistair Murray, Teddy Leatherbarrow, Matt Lamprey
Replacements: Oliver Trippier, Noah Miller, Luke Proctor, Conor Trueman, Sam Stott
Leicester Lions: Sam Benjamin, Laurence Warren-West, Jamel Hamilton, Max Titchener, Devon Constant, Josh Leonard, Alex Smit, Will Roberts, Oli Taylor, Curtis Weaver, Ollie Tapscott, Ed Sumpter, Ethan Godefroy, Jonny Murdoch, Dan Martin
Replacements: Ben Spokes, Demo Gonsalves, Simon Johnson, Henri Lavin, Tom Aviss
For further details consult www.ncarugby.com