NATIONAL DIVISION 1

Rugby Lions

The faithful band of Lions’ supporters came to Wakefield looking for that elusive first win of the season, or at least a couple of bonus points for coming a close second and scoring 4 tries into the bargain.  Sadly a Lions’ team totally bereft of any attacking ideas left their supporters standing in the pouring rain in total bewilderment as it was Wakefield who adapted to the conditions to earn a well deserved win plus a bonus point for breaching the Lions’ line 4 times. 

Lions started with new signing Aadel Kardooni at scrum half, so Phil Reed continued on the wing.  I missed last week’s second half heroics against Plymouth that seemed to be sparked by the introduction of several replacements, so I was surprised to see the pack starting with the same line up that was put to the sword so effectively in the first half of that game.   

Wakefield’s attacking ambitions were soon to the fore as Casey Mee’s crossfield kick almost had flying wing Jon Feeley in at the corner.  Wakefield sustained the pressure, aided and abetted by more penalties against Lions.  It was obvious that referee Alan Biggs was breaking in a new whistle and wanted to blow it at every opportunity…….and Lions gave him plenty of those.  Another penalty in front of the posts for driving over allowed Casey Mee to extend Wakefield’s lead.  ( 6 – 0 ). 

Another penalty soon ensued as Ben Wheeler and Derek Jelley renewed old relationships at Leicester.  It looked to be six of one and half a dozen of the other, but the penalty was awarded to Wakefield after the referee consulted the touch judge.  This time Casey Mee managed to put the simple kick wide. 

However, it was not long before he was given the opportunity to try again.  A penalty to Wakefield was kicked to the corner, and although Lions repulsed the initial take and drive, referee Alan Biggs ruled the Lions’ backs offside in front of the posts, and this time Casey Mee made no mistake.  ( 9 – 0 ). 

Lions were again playing with very little possession, but when Robbie Hurrell burst through into the Wakefield 22 and laid the ball back, who was there to pick up and drive on…..absolutely no one!!  Wakefield were able to clear with ease.   

Matt Williams was injured soon after, and Richard List came on to take over the hooking role.  Lions desperately needed a score, but it was Wakefield who again put points on the board.  Lions lost another line out to give Wakefield an attacking opportunity that they did not waste.  A pop pass from Casey Mee saw centre Neil Murray crash through, and Diccon Edwards was on hand to take the final pass and score under the posts.  Casey Mee added the conversion, and Lions were playing catch up rugby once again.  ( 16 – 0 ). 

A Wakefield knock on was missed as Lions were again penalised (boring or what!!!), and Wakefield kicked to the corner.  Solid Lions’ defending repulsed the take and drive, but the inevitable penalty arrived at the ensuing scrum when Lions were deemed to have collapsed the set piece on their own put in.  Again the kick was despatched to the corner, but a crooked throw gave Jon Boden the opportunity to clear from the ensuing scrum. 

At last Lions’ showed a glimpse of what is lurking somewhere in the dark depths as they drove Wakefield back, but possession was lost (again!!) and a penalty awarded against them (again!!).  However, Lions’ came back with a mighty 20 metres drive by the forwards, and this time it was Wakefield that were penalised for taking the maul down.  Jon Boden struck his 30 metres penalty straight and true.  ( 16 – 3 ). 

Half time was fast approaching…..the time when Lions always seem to conspire to give points away.  This time Lions had a scrum on their own 22…….a good heel and clearance was all that was needed, and Lions could regroup for a second half onslaught.  Unfortunately the referee had not read the script, and instead gave a knock on against Lions at the base of the scrum, a decision that even had the Wakefield faithful around us scratching their heads in disbelief.  The decision proved to be crucial as from the scrum, Casey Mee flung out a long pass that full back Ryan Duckett took at pace to create space for Jon Feeley to cross in the corner.  The referee’s whistle sounded for half time as the conversion attempt failed.   

Lions brought on the cavalry at the break, with Phil Greenbury and Glen Carson replacing Richard Tarrant and Simon Black in the front row, and Jacques Steyn taking over from Jason Frara in the centre who replaced Jason Critchley on the wing. 

Lions started with much more purpose, with Greengrass to the fore driving on from a Jon Boden chip ahead.  Wakefield were penalised for offside, and Jon Boden stroked the ball home from 35 metres.  ( 21 – 6 ). 

Jon repeated the dose when Wakefield were penalised on half way and marched back 10 metres for talking out of turn.  ( 21 – 9 ). 

Unfortunately the mini revival was brought to an abrupt halt as a Lions’ knock on from the restart gave Wakefield an attacking scrum.  A penalty to Wakefield was tapped to the corner, and this time Lions had no answer to a determined drive that saw flanker Mark Sowerby touch down wide out.  The conversion was missed.  ( 26 – 9 ). 

Lions now had to run everything, and a quick tap at a penalty saw the ball moved wide, but solid Wakefield tackling stifled the attack.  Guy Manson-Bishop limped off to be replaced by Matt Hunter, and Wakefield replaced Victor Ball with Darren Fletcher. 

A good spell of Lions’ pressure came to nought as the inevitable penalty gave Wakefield some respite.  Lions’ problems were compounded when Rob Hurrell was yellow carded for taking his man out at a line out.  The impact was immediate, as the penalty was kicked to the corner, and the textbook take and drive saw Mick Watson crash over.  The conversion from wide out was missed.  ( 31 – 9 ). 

Wholesale changes on both sides did nothing to improve Lions’ fortunes over the final 10 minutes, and Lion’s left the field a bedraggled, well beaten side.   

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Don's Musings

New coach “Judge” Rendall can be under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead as he seeks to turn Lions into a lean, mean, fighting machine.  The evidence is plain to see.  All the old failings that have been covered so often on this website....an unsteady front row, poor line out work, too many turnovers, no-one hitting the rucks to secure good quick possession, poor lines of running from the backs, people taking the ball standing still instead of at pace…….need I say more?? 

Lions have a break next week after their early exit from the Powergen Cup, and so there is time to work on the squad in training.  The “Judge” needs to lay down the law and make sure that every single player is under no illusions as to the part they have to play…….and if they are unable or unwilling to deliver what is asked of them, they should not be wearing the Lions’ jersey. 

Lions’ next big test is the following week when we entertain highflying Rotherham.  The Shed is too astute to expect a Lions’ win, but what the jury desperately need to see is a glimmer of hope with an improved performance.  As we have said many times, there is an abundance of talent already at the Lions…….let’s hope Judgie can work his magic.

Lions team

At last there is something to get excited about. Referring back to my preview of last Saturday’s game the Lions did indeed build on the promise of the previous week, and though they richly deserved to win they just failed to do so, however, winning ways seem to be back within reach. Hopefully our new director of coaching will grasp them with both hands. 

At this point last season, out of eight league games played, Rugby had won two and drawn one, all at home. One of the Lions victories was gained at the expense of Wakefield who came to Webb Ellis Road in early September. The return fixture at College grove did not take place until the second week of January this year, and the Lions were lucky to steal a rare win, so completing the first ever double over Wakey. In spite of a later relapse, that win was as crucial as any in preserving Rugby’s National Division 1 status for another season. It goes without saying that with no wins from eight league games this season, a win at Wakefield this coming Saturday would be even more valuable than the one obtained in January. 

So far Wakefield have beaten Plymouth and Manchester at College Grove, with only London Welsh defeating them there. Their only away victory was against Moseley with games lost at Bedford, Birmingham and Exeter. Last Sunday they lost to Rotherham at Millmoor, but restricted them to 44 points.  

So what are the prospects for a win? If you watched only the first forty minutes of last weekend’s game against Plymouth your answer would, understandably be not a hope. However, if you also saw the second half of that game, the prospect of a win would appear to be a distinct possibility.