Lions were hopeful of a continuation of the last two last week’s form which gave a home win against Sandal and an away win at Harrogate. Stourbridge were lying third in the table, so this was going to be a tough fixture. The pitch was heavy under foot, but a good playing surface on top. With the 3.00 pm kick off the setting sun was a problem in the first half and there was a brisk breeze across the pitch at the start, which diminished as the game proceeded. A chilly afternoon, which felt even colder with the setting of the sun.

Stourbridge opened the game with some lively play and soon put Lions under pressure. A quickly taken penalty by Stourbridge almost led to a try which looked like it had been scored, but was disallowed by the referee.

Lions’ Drew Rudkin was yellow carded on 10 minutes.

Lions came back into the game and there were even exchanges between two well matched sides, with both having opportunities.

Lions' backs produced a lovely running move, which came to no available because of a knock-on close to the Stourbridge try line.

Again there was some excellent defensive play and tackling by Lions.

At half time there was no score but it had been a fast and furious first half, with plenty of exciting play.

Half Time: Stourbridge 0 Leicester Lions 0

Leicester Lions started after the break with a purple patch. A sharp set of interchanges between the centres and the wing up the right side of the pitch led to Lions’ winger Sam Benjamin going over in the corner for a try on 41 minutes.

This was soon followed by Lions second row Will Roach bursting through the centre to run 30 metres to score Lions second try after 48 minutes, making the score 0-10.

Stourbridge were not a side to give up easily and came back into the game with a period of even exchanges between the two sides.

A period of indiscipline by Lions gave Stourbridge a penalty opportunity, which their fullback Tom Mitchell scored to make the score 3-10, with 15 minutes to go.

There was more committed play in the remainder of the game, but neither side added to their points tally. Again, with some good defence by Lions.

Full Time: Stourbridge 3 Leicester Lions 10

A game where both sides applied themselves with fast and flowing play.

Leicester Lions’ Director of Rugby, Ken Whitehead, said that Lions played superbly in a flowing game. They were fast to the breakdown and challenged a good Stourbridge team, who were committed to keeping the ball moving. A useful winning run, with three victories in a row.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in fifth position in National League 2 North and Stourbridge third.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC
mikehowkins@gmail.com