NATIONAL DIVISION 1

Coventry 

With 15 minutes of this game remaining, it looked as though Santa was going to deliver the thing that Lions’ beleaguered supporters wanted more than anything else……the first win of the season, and against the “auld enemy” to boot.  Then Cov spoilt the party as they turned the match on its head with 3 late tries to break Lions’ hearts.  The difference in the teams was the goalkicking.  Whereas Lions missed all 4 conversions and a penalty, Coventry converted all 4 of their tries plus a penalty.  

Cov’s reply was swift, as Simon Brocklehurst broke from a midfield scrum to take play deep into Lions’ territory.  Good support saw Kurt Johnson tearing to the line, but Tristan Prosser-Shaw was across like an exocet missile to down the Coventry man a metre from the line.  With Lions in disarray, lock Mark Tinnock was on hand to pick up and crash over.  Lee Rust made no mistake with the conversion.  ( 5 – 7 ). 

Lions were looking lively and a bullocking Stuart Potter run set the alarm bells ringing for Cov.  The attack was smothered and good work by Mick Curtis retrieved the situation, and Lions were caught offside at a rolling maul as the Cov pack drove back upfield.  This time it was Lee Rust’s turn to scuff his kick as his 40 metres goal attempt flew well wide. 

Lions were next to attack, but referee David Sainsbury stopped a promising move as he spotted a forward pass that everyone in the stand, including the Coventry contingent, thought was at worst flat.  As Jon Boden cleared with a lovely 50 metres kick, Lions injury list got longer as Matt Hunter was helped from the filed to be replaced by Jimmy Fornoni. 

The dangerous Stuart Potter was again prominent in another Lions’ attack, and as the point of attack was switched, Jon Boden put a lovely kick to the Cov 22.  Lions stole the Cov put in, and as the ball was moved crossfield, Matt Vines hit the line at pace.  His initial thrust was held, but Jimmy Fornoni was on hand to drive Matt over for Lions’ second try.  Jon Boden again failed to find the mark with the conversion……but Lions were back in front.  ( 10 – 7 ). 

Rob Hurrell stormed through a static Cov defence, but David Sainsbury brought him back for a Cov scrum.  Alan Mitchell kicked to the corner, where Phil Reed’s hurried clearance was charged into touch.  The ever reliable Rob Hurrell took the line, and Jon Boden again cleared with a beautiful 50 metres touchfinder. 

Cov were soon back in Lions’ 22 from a penalty for Lions’ coming into the maul from the side.  The initial line-out drive was held, but a try looked on as the ball was spun wide.  With Jordan Hands waiting for the scoring pass, Lee Rust managed to knock on and Lions cleared.   

Lions’ defence was sure in the face of some driving forward play by Cov.  Another chance was wasted as Lions were penalised 5 metres from their line, and Cov took a tap, but lost the ball as they drove in for the kill.  Coventry were starting to build up a head of steam, but Lions’ defence was firm, and a series of Jon Boden “boomers” relieved the pressure. 

Referee David Sainsbury earned the wrath of the Cov contingent as he penalised Cov with the words “I couldn’t see who, but there was a blue swinging arm”.  Tristan Prosser-Shaw took the resultant line-out and raced into the Cov 22, but a golden opportunity was lost as Rhys William failed to hold the inside pass.  Cov’s clearance failed to make touch, and Lions were back on the attack as half time approached……I haven’t been able to say that many times this season!!  Better was to come as the ball was swung left and Phil Reed almost found a way through, but was held.  Stuart Potter went one better as he burst through to top an excellent first half performance with a try.  Jon Boden again failed to add the conversion points as David Sainsbury blew for half time.

Half time 

Lions   15          Coventry   7

Who would have thought it.  Lions in front at half time, and as a result of 3 good tries.  No doubt there were a few choice words ringing in the Cov ears as they returned to the fray, with Trent McMurray replacing Dave Addleton. 

However, it was Lions who continued their good form from the first period as Lee Rust fumbled a Boden “bomb”.  Kurt Johnson received a stern reprimand from David Sainsbury after a scuffle, and Lions changed kickers to give Jon Roper an opportunity to open his account for Lions from 45 metres.  Unfortunately, his well struck kick was well wide. 

Lions stormed back and a good Boden break was stopped with a solid tackle.  Lions retained possession well and a snap drop goal by Phil Reed was agonisingly wide.  Another Boden half break gave Phil Reed some room, but Kurt Johnson closed him down with a strong tackle.  Lions again recycled well, and as the ball was swung back across field, Jon Roper spotted the gap to crash over for Lions fourth try and a well deserved bonus point.  Yet again the conversion was missed, but Lions were firmly in the driving seat.  ( 20 – 7 ).

Cov now decided it was time to bring on the cavalry as Luis Criscuolo and Tigger Dawson replaced Alan Mitchell and Toby Handley at half back.  Cov immediately looked more purposeful, and they sought to build on this as Jordan Hands was brought off with Simon Brocklehurst moving to the wing and Barry-John Mather coming on to fill the centre spot. 

Another Cov attack broke down in midfield and Lions were able to hack their way downfield.  Cov were soon back on the attack, but Lions were tackling like demons, epitomised by a crunching Ben Wheeler hit as the ball was moved wide.  A Kardooni steal from the base of a Coventry scrum allowed Jon Boden to drill another kick to the Cov 22. 

Now it was Lions turn to exert some pressure, but poor handling in midfield wasted the opportunity.  Cov made full use of the let off as they ran the ball from defence, and Kurt Johnson made good yardage down the right.  As the cover came across to halt his progress, the ball was moved left where Barry-John Mather was on hand to cross in the corner.  Lee Rust added a superb touchline conversion to bring Cov back into the game when they had looked down and out.  ( 20 – 14 ). 

15 minutes left, and the 3 Cov midfield replacements had added a new dimension to their game.  Again Kurt Johnson found room on the right, but his chip was well fielded by Matt Vines.  Cov now had their tails up, and a turnover kept up the pressure.  Another chip to the line resulted in a 5 metres scrum to Cov.  When Lions were penalised in the shadow of their own posts, a quick tap should have brought a score but Trent McMurray was held up as he went for the line with men spare outside him.  Lions’ defence was starting to creak under the relentless pressure, and eventually the break came as the ball was moved first right, then back left for Barry-John Mather to cut through once again.  Lee Rust’s trusty boot put Cov back in front with 10 minutes to go.  ( 20 – 21 ). 

Simon Martin replaced Mick Curtis, as Lions strove to get back into the game, but were suffering from a lack of possession, giving Cov several attacking opportunities.  First Kurt Johnson almost got away after a Lee Crofts break, then Lee Rust almost danced his way through.  A tiring Lions’ defence was penalised in front of the posts, and this time Lee Rust gratefully accepted the 3 points to extend the Cov lead.  ( 20 – 24 ). 

Could Lions snatch a dramatic win?  Cov were penalised for crossing, and another superb Boden kick put Lions on the attack.  A Robbie Hurrell take and the drive was on.  Cov were creaking, but the ball was lost and Cov hacked upfield.  Now it was Cov’s turn to attack. The question now was, could Lions hold out for another bonus point for coming a close second?  Referee David Sainsbury soon put paid to that as he seemed to play a Lions’ advantage from a Cov infringement, but allowed play to go on as Phil Reed lost the ball in midfield.  A gleeful Simon Martin accepted the ball and ran through a static Lions’ defence to deliver the killer blow.  Just to be sure, Lee Rust added the conversion as David Sainsbury finally remembered what his whistle was for and brought an intriguing game to an end.  

Final result: 

Lions   20          Coventry   31

Don's musings

What can I say?  Lions looked well on course for their first win of the season, but it simply wasn’t to be.  It was unfortunate that Jon Boden had an off day with his place kicking, but it should be remembered that his kicking from hand was inspirational.  Lions gave it their all and deserved more.  It is difficult to pick out any individuals in a good all round performance, but Stuart Potter looked sharp and incisive in the first half, and Ben Wheeler’s defence in the second half was awesome.

So, Lions go into the new year still without a win, but surely that elusive first 4 pointer cannot be too far away.  Orrell are the next league opponents on Friday 3^rd January at Web Ellis Road, kick off 7.30.  Lions are certainly good enough to win this game…….and a few more on the back of it.  Unfortunately with Manchester’s win at Moseley today, the gap is ominously wide.  Moseley are certainly catchable, but Lions need to string a few wins together whilst Manchester fail to pick up points.  The game at Manchester at the end of January is key.  If Lions win that one to take themselves within striking distance, the rest of the season should be very interesting.

Forwards : Ben Wheeler -  Backs : Stuart Potter

Lions team

Player availability can be expected to have a big affect on the Lions chances of success, and home advantage may play a part, though it has demonstrably failed to do so in the past, as the Lions have never won a league game against Cov at Webb Ellis Road. Their three wins out of twelve have all been at Coundon Road. The ever-growing need to achieve a first win ought to drive Rugby harder but there is no doubt that they will have to produce something special. Having scored only 15 points in their last four games without a single try, they must also get back into scoring mode.