Stourbridge Match Report

Lions entered the game as underdogs after last week’s results. In the previous four meetings between the two teams, Stourbridge have come away with the points each time.

Lions needed a big start and they delivered from the kick off, winning penalties at the scrum and finding holes in the Stourbridge defence. An early penalty attempt was missed by Leicester, but Lions kept up the pressure, with Drew Rudkin bouncing like a pinball off players before crossing the line for the first try of the game, successfully converted by Jonathan Williams.

Stourbridge at this point enjoyed a fifteen minute spell of their own, winning penalties and kicking deep into Lions territory looking to cause damage with their driving maul at the lineout. They succeeded on fifteen minutes, driving over in the corner. Conversion missed.

Josh McLaurin was sin-binned for slowing the Stourbridge ball down 19 minutes in and the pressure from Stourbridge continued. Another penalty given away and Lions were back defending their five metre line. A strong drive came from the Stourbridge pack and Lions seemed to have dealt with it well, but the referee harshly decided Lions had gone round the side of the maul, awarding a penalty try, much to the delight of Stourbridge, and binned Lions number 3, Shaun Murray. Conversion successful.

Even with two men in the bin, Lions continued to battle and won two penalties which were converted by Jonathan Williams. Half time and Lions, now back to full strength went in 13-12 up.
The second half saw both teams start well but it was Stourbridge who initially had a long spell on the Lions try line, probing numerous times to cross the line. The defensive line speed from the Lions saw the Stourbridge attack going backwards, ending up outside the Lions twenty-two. This determination was rewarded by turning the ball over and for Rob Young to run almost the length of the field, out pacing the opposition, to dot down in the corner. Converted by Jonathan Williams.

The Lions scrum won a penalty which was converted by Jonathan Williams, keeping the score board ticking over. With Lions now two scores clear and 20 minutes left on the clock, they looked to play more rugby. Continuing to apply pressure, their top effort was rewarded, scoring three more times and securing the bonus point win. Two try’s from Devon Constant and another from Ollie Taylor. Final score Leicester Lions RFC 42 – 17 Stourbridge RFC.

Lions need to transfer their home form to the road next week with a trip to Sedgley Park who this week lost 20 – 32 against Ampthill.

Report by Shaun Murray