The RAF returned to Webb
Ellis Road after a 13-year absence tonight and a very tight game ensued, in
which the adversaries alternately exerted pressure. Both sides defended
their respective try lines fiercely with good positions frequently lost to
forced errors.
Lions first half try came from Matt Davies after 31 minutes. This followed a
fracas, the result of which was a yellow card for RAF No.8 Shaun Hez; Danny
Pope converted.
Half time Rugby 7 RAF 0
The second half continued much in the same vein as the first half and as it
progressed both sides made numerous replacements. There was a minor punch-up
early in the second half but on this occasion the outcome was a stern
warning to Rugby's Dave clements.
There had been a number of penalties awarded to both sides but all had been
touch-kicked until the RAF decided to go for goal from a good position in
the Lions half after 49 minutes. The RAF full back's kick failed to bisect
the posts.
On 72 minutes a good break by the Rugby backs saw Eddie Saunders collect try
number 253 which was converted by replacement fly half Tom Turner.
That was the last score of the game and it ended with the RAF undeservedly
pointless, though there was no doubt that Rugby were the better team and
earned their win.
Final score, Rugby 14 RAF 0.
Rugby: Andy Bayliss (Eddie Saunders); Dave Clements, Sascha Mielczarek (Alex
Ackerley), Alex Ackerley (Matt Dymek), Johnny Fletcher; Danny Pope (Tom
Turner), Phil Thomas; Matt Davies (C) (John Cameron/Matt Richards), Andy
Morris (Glen Wallace), Karl Chaplow (Chris King), Ben Everton, Tom Curtis,
Karl Lawson, Glen Todd (Phil Skillen), Danny Facer.
Try: Matt Davies, Eddie saunders. Con: Danny Pope, Tom Turner
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