Leigh Lions Remain Unbeaten Against Strong Oppostion

Match Report By Rob Leyland

This week saw Southport and Widnes both visiting Hand Lane in what looked a cracking little Tri-fixture.
Following consecutive weather related postponements, the Lion’s were eager to get going in what was only their second fixture of the year.

The Lion’s met Southport twice last season, either side of the Christmas break, and they recorded two fine victories. Likewise Leigh came up against Widnes on two occasions last season, recording victories on both occasions.

With healthy squad numbers, Leigh where able to split into two equally gifted teams:
The first Leigh squad consisted of: Ben, Mitchy, Evan, Reece, Noah, Brad, Louie, Jimmy, Callum, Ol Wils and Charlie.

The second squad was made up of: Mikey, Oz, Jermaine, Jayden, Harry, Liam, Zack, Sam, Lordy, Jack and Cal.

Game One: Leigh 1 u12’s 1 Southport u12’s 1
Little bit of a shock first up...A fine try from Brad was cancelled out by a score from Southport and the game ended all square.

Game Two: Leigh 2 u12’s 7 Widnes u12’s 2
Leigh kicked off to get this one underway but the ball went straight into touch. From the resulting tap, Widnes scored the game’s opener with a mazy run to evade the Leigh tacklers.

That early blow seemed to give Leigh a much needed ‘kick-start’ and they set about putting the visitors under pressure and were soon on level terms...a good drive from Sam gave the Lion’s good field position and Jermaine was able to crash over from close range to bring the score level.

Lordy then barged over from close range as well, after a strong drive from Mikey. Leigh had come back well and where now bossing proceedings. Harry nearly extended their lead but was well tackled just shy of the line before Oz brought the first half to a close with a great try after he picked up a loose ball and showed great pace to race clear of the floundering Widnes defenders and give the Lions a 3-1 lead at the break.

The visitors kicked off to get the second half underway and Jermaine took in the first drive of the half. Leigh continued where they had left off at the end of the first half and Widnes were doing well to hold out until Cal produced a trademark good finish, round the outside on the left wing, and the Lions were now looking comfortable at 4-1. Cal again sped round the outside of the opposition winger to score number five and Jermaine scored his second try of the game in the right corner after a good run from Jayden.

To their credit, Widnes were showing good spirit and refused to let their head’s drop even though they were five tries behind and they nearly reduced the deficit but Mikey came up with a crucial tackle to keep them out. They wouldn’t be denied for long though and a fine break from their own half saw them score a deserved consolation try. There was still time for the Lion’s to have the last word when Jayden touched down after Liam had been held up just short. A fine 7-2 victory for Leigh.

Game Three: Leigh 1 u12’s 5 Widnes u12’s 1
Having struggled against Southport in their first match, Leigh 1 got back to winning ways by bagging five against Widnes. Tries from Reece, Brad(2) and Evan(2) sealed a fine performance.

Game Four: Leigh 2 u12’s 4 Southport u12’s 0
Southport kicked off and came up with an early turnover to put the home side under early pressure but the Lion’s were able to hold out and began to dominate territory and possession. They gained an attacking scrum deep in the Southport twenty two and when the ball squeezed loose, Liam made a lovely pick up and screamed clear to score the game’s opening try. Cal then finished off number two after some fine footwork again from Liam.

It was 2-0 at half time but, following the second Leigh try, the game had settled into a very even contest.
Southport started the second half well and were clearly determined not to let Leigh get away however, the Lion’s are a strong defensive unit and were able to hold out and began to progress up-field...Jayden made a half break and released a fine pass to Jermaine who raced away down the right wing to score number three against the balance of play in this second half. Both team then had chances...first Jayden nearly scored but was held up by an ill-timed high tackle and then Oz had to be at his best defensively to deny Southport with a great tackle and then with time ticking away, and with Leigh pinned back in their own half, Sam picked up a ball that had squeezed out of a ruck and he ‘raced’ away to score a fine full-lengther to give the Lion’s a fine 4-0 victory against strong opposition.

This ‘Leigh 2’ side contained six players who are in their first season with the Lion’s – they were all fantastic today!!

Next week sees a return to Lancashire cup action with an away fixture at Manchester RUFC playing both the host team and Trafford Metro Vics.

3, 2, 1...LIONS!