Lions Dominate Local Rivals in Festival Warm-up Fixture

02/03/2020

Due to the recent biblical spell of weather, the Lion’s hadn’t played a match for a full calendar month! It was back on the 2nd Feb when they travelled to Manchester to take on the hosts in the Lancs Cup and they haven’t been able to make a tackle in anger since.

In an effort to provide a competitive outing for the lads, a Monday Night ‘Friendly’ fixture had been arranged against their most local rivals, Tyldesley.

The two sides had been scheduled to meet at Leigh earlier in the season, in the first round of the Lancs Cup, but a ‘no show’ from the visitors prevented that match up taking place.

How would tonight’s match, at LSV, pan out...?

Leigh u12’s 14 Tyldesley u12’s 0

Leigh kicked off to get the match underway and an early handling error from Tyldesley presented Leigh with an opportunity which they very nearly converted but Sam was unable to ground the ball having done the hard work in forcing his way over the try-line. They weren’t to be denied for long though...Joe made a half break and released a well-timed pass to Brad who raced over to open the scoring and then Louie went over soon after having taken a nice pass from Brad in his stride. That early double strike seemed to shock the visitors and Leigh took full advantage! A quick two-try salvo from Cal saw the Lion’s lead doubled – first he scorched over in the left corner after taking a nice pass from Ev and then he raced over again after the Tyldesley defence had been left completely bamboozled by a lovely reverse pass from Joe. The Lion’s were really purring now and Jack was next to get in on the action when he stole the ball on halfway and streaked clear of the floundering defenders to score a fine individual try. The first half scoring was rounded off by Harry who raced down the right wing to give the Lion’s a comfortable 6-0 lead at the break.
Tyldesley were clearly rattled by the first half onslaught and their coach, who was unhappy with some of the on-field decisions, was making his feelings clear in what was turning into a very feisty encounter. After seeming to briefly threaten to lead his team off, the second half was finally able to get properly underway and Leigh continued to dominate. First Jermaine flew over in the left corner after a fine pass from Louie and then Joe stormed over in the right corner to extend the lead further. Cal then collected a nice pass from Reece to score, after Brad had effected a turnover at the ruck, and then Joe collected a well-timed pass from Cal to take the score into double figures. Tyldesley then forced a little period of pressure in the Leigh half but, despite enjoying their best spell of the match, they were unable to force a score and the Lion’s made them pay...First Brad collected a lovely cross-field kick from Joe to go over and then Zack took everyone by surprise by scooting down the blind side to score a fine try. Jayden then finished off a sweeping team move, with the ball passing through many pairs of hands before Brad rounded off proceedings after a good pass from Cal.

A very worthwhile run-out for the lads following their enforced period of inactivity and some lovely running rugby saw them put in a fine attacking performance.

This Sunday sees Leigh travel to Manchester RUFC to compete in the prestigious Manchester festival (weather permitting!!).

3, 2, 1...LIONS!