Hull Match Report

On an untypically tropical November afternoon the Lions ran out onto the Westleigh Park turf looking to invigorate a season that has been inconsistent to date.

The Lions started promisingly and worked methodically to their strategy. Following a well worked backs play Andrew Murdoch crossed the line for five points in as many minutes. Not to be outdone the auspicious left wing Devon Constant, who seemed to be relishing the warmer weather, crossed again for the Lions after a great display of strength and athleticism shrugging off the would-be defence. Constant added a second to his tally on 38 minutes following a beautifully weighted kick from fly half Jonathan Boden after the dominant Lions scrum had provided a solid base.

Hull fought hard to push deep within the Lions territory and remained within sniffing distance of the line for many minutes. The committed and valiant defence shone through all ranks of the home squad, particularly from the back row union of Rudkin, Young and Laxton who held the resolute attacking forces at bay before a tactical defensive line-out play saw the visitors penalised and the pressure lifted.

Half time Leicester Lions 22-0 Hull

The half time word in the shed was for maintained pressure over the opposition and a professional attitude towards the satisfying first half lead for the full 80 minutes, an aim that has evaded the squad in recent weeks. The collective ambition to uphold the positive performance started well as Matt Tuckey and Devon Constant linked well to recover from the restart. Lions dominance continued as Nathan Donnachie and Steve Cross made consistent dents in the opposition defence, with Ben Spokes in close support the Lions came within inches of the try line. The ball was released to Jack Spittle who cut through the remaining defenders like a hot knife through butter to score the try and increase the lead.

It seemed like everything was going the Lion’s way before the visitors changed their plan. Spittle’s try was quickly rubbed out as Hull’s momentum began to build. The try was just reward following good Hull pressure. The visitors had the added bonus of Drew Rudkin being sent to the bin for an infringement. Two further tries followed as the home side struggled to defend with 14 men against Hull’s revitalised attacking vigour. The last word came from the Lions though as Murdoch broke through against the flow of play, beating several defenders and offloading to Ollie Taylor who scored under the sticks, converted by Boden.
Changes in the Lions pack brought new enthusiasm as Joe Cave and Lawrence Brown took to the field. Their immediate impact allowed the home side to close out the game and bag 5 league points.

Full time Leicester Lions 39 – 17 Hull

Report by Danny Campbell