Leicester Lions 37 Wharfedale 10 - Saturday 2nd March 2019 - Match Report

Leicester Lions 37 Wharfedale 10

Saturday 2nd March 2019

League Points: 5-0

Leicester Lions show their class against Wharfedale in seven-try heaven victory

Leicester Lions: Ed Sumpter (6), Alex Smit (24), Sam Benjamin (37), Alex Wilcockson (51, 60), Devon Constant (71, 78); Conversions: Harry Key (7);

Wharfedale 10: Tries: Josh Burridge (44), Ralph Wellock (57);

It was a pleasant, mild, spring-like day with a stiff blustery breeze across the pitch, with the odd spot of rain in the air, at TMDP Park, Blaby, for the visit of Wharfedale. The playing surface was in good condition, with sun and wind in the week. With Lions in 12th position in National League 2 North and Wharfedale in 10th position, both sides were looking for a victory.
The first five minutes involved both sides testing out their opposition.
On 6 minutes Lions’ Alex Wilcockson produced a darting run up the left wing, put in a chipped ball, which was chased down by Lions’ second-row Ed Sumpter to score a try, with Harry Key adding the conversion.
On 24 minutes Lions again worked their way up the left side of the pitch, where a chip through by Lions was collected by the Wharfedale full-back, who was driven over the try line by the Lions’ attack, which led to a 5 metre scrum to Lions. From the scrum Lions kept up the pressure with some good forward driving play, leading to Lions’ scrum-half, Alex Smit, darting over to score Lions’ second try and bring the score to 12-0.
On 37 minutes Lions put Wharfedale under pressure on the right wing with their winger Sam Benjamin skilfully swerving and avoiding the Wharfedale defence to go over in the corner for Lions’ third try.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 17 Wharfedale 0

On 45 minutes Wharfedale started to come back into the game, when they had an excellent run through the centre of the Lions’ defence. From an ensuing line-out Wharfedale drove forward with their No 8, Josh Burridge, going over for a try to bring the score to 17-5.
On 48 minutes Lions’ Ethan Godefroy was yellow carded for a technical offence.
On 51 minutes Lions kicked through, with Wharfedale collecting the ball but knocking on. Lions won the scrum to send Wilcockson drifting past the Wharfedale defence to score a try to restore Lions’ lead at 22-5.
On 56 minutes Lions conceded another yellow card by Harry Key for a technical offence.
Wharfedale soon made the best of their numerical advantage with their winger, Ralph Wellock, finding space outside the Lions’ defence to go over for their second try and made the score 22-10.
With one of the yellow cards completed Lions come back after 60 minutes putting Wharfedale under pressure again with Wilcockson darting his way past their defence to add his second try, opening out Lions’ lead to 27-10
Lions continued their attacks, looking sharp and committed. On 71 minutes Lions’ chipped the ball through for their winger Devon Constant to take the ball and score his first try of the afternoon.
In almost the last play of the game Lions continued their pressure against Wharfedale with a kick being collected by Constant following up the play and going over for his second try and taking Lions’ lead to 37-10.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 37 Wharfedale 10

Nine tries in the game – seven to Lions and two to Wharfedale - but only one conversion. A testament to the blustery conditions.

A good performance by Lions with some exciting back play, together with solid testing forward play in the scrum, line-out and open play.

Lions' head coach, Andy Key, says, "It was a good to see the team committed to open running rugby and successfully taking the game to Wharfedale. This was no easy victory as Wharfedale made a spirited comeback at the start of the second half, but Lions showed some adventurous spirit which gave them a well deserved victory.”

Following the game Leicester Lions were in eleventh position in the league table, with Wharfedale in tenth position, just four points ahead. A significant gap has opened between the bottom three teams, South Leicester, Macclesfield and Peterborough Lions, and the rest of the league.

Teams: Order 15-9, 1-8, 16-20
Leicester Lions: Alex Wilcockson, Sam Benjamin, Jamel Hamilton, Harry Key, Devon Constant, Max Titchener, Alex Smit, Will Roberts, Oli Taylor, Dan Ali, Ollie Tapscott, Ed Sumpter, Ethan Godefroy, Jonny Murdoch, Dan Martin
Replacements: George Taylor-Walker, Curtis Weaver, Simon Johnson, Laurence Warren-West, Tom Aviss

Wharfedale: Philip Woodhead, Ralph Wellock, Harry Bullough, Will Edwards, Oliver Cicognini, Jack Blakeney-Edwards, Sam Gaudie, Joseph Altham, Ken Houghton, Reece Ward, George Hedgley, Richard Rhodes, Chris Walker, James Tyson, Josh Burridge
Replacements: Toms Asejevs, Jake Parkinson, Ben Leacock, Elliot Stockton, Tom Mann

For further details consult www.ncarugby.com