1st XV
Matches
Sat 14 Mar 2015  ·  National League 2 North
Leicester Lions Rugby Football Club
1st XV
38
28
Chester
Chester Match Report

Chester Match Report

Tom Spence20 Mar 2015 - 13:27
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Lions win 10 try thriller!

It was a relatively mild day at Westleigh Park on Saturday, where the Lions entertained Chester in an exciting, 10 try, National League 2 encounter. The Lions, who have been struggling to find their form recently, marked this game as a "must win game" and they did not disappoint. Despite playing a quarter of the game with 14 men, the Lions ran in 5 tries and with a dominant pack and the ever trustworthy boot of Jon Boden, the Lions managed a 38-28 win.

The game started off at a fast pace, with both sides attacking well. However, it was Chester that had the first laugh; the Lions recent lack of discipline struck again and a penalty was conceded right in front of the posts. This was paired with a yellow card and 3 points to Chester. The Lions struck back hard however and a show of dominance from the forwards lead to Hooker, Ollie Taylor touching down, Boden converted. The Chester forwards rallied and Kyle bundled over for Chester's first try, Hayes failed to make the conversion.

The Lions pack reacted well and after a series of dominant scrums, the referee had no choice but to award a penalty try, Boden converted. But the pack wasn't finished there. 7 Minutes later, they were at it again; another penalty try and again Boden successfully converted.

Half-time: 24-8.

The Lions started the second half 24-8 up and looked to be very much in the ascendancy. However, Chester had different ideas. A penalty kick into the corner lead to a well worked try out wide for impressive winger John Ketland. The Lions lack of discipline continued and Flanker, Drew Rudkin was soon shown the yellow card by the referee. Chester were quick to capitalise on having an extra man, quickly working the ball out wide for Ketland to dot down for his second of the day.

The Lions gathered themselves and a strong run from impressive No.8, Rob Young, lead to the bonus-point-try. The Lions were not finished there and following yet another strong run from winger Devon Constant, lead to Luke Veeble weaving his way through the Chester defence to score under the posts. A flawless kicking performance from Boden converted the try.

Chester, sensing defeat imminent, relentlessly attacked the Lions defence. Despite some massive hits from Captain Matt Tuckey, Constant and Veeble, Chester scored a further 2 tries. However, Bodens boot proved to be the difference and the Lions emerged victorious.

The Lions earned a well fought victory and there were many stand-out performances. Any of the pack could of received man of the match, but Chester elected to award to 'The Hobbit' Ben Spokes. Well done Ben.

Report by Steven Cross

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Mar 2015

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

National League 2 North
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Player Sponsor - Burger King
Player sponsor - RDP Interiors