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Lions’ young cubs had their first outing of the season against first
Division Bedford in baking conditions that more resembled the plains of
Africa than central England. After paying an exorbitant £5 entrance to
this trial game, the small contingent of Lions’ supporters took refuge
from the scorching sun in the stand, but not before taking sustenance at
the club watering hole.
The
game was played as two normal 40 minute halves, but with rolling
substitutions from a squad of 11 on the (very large) bench. It was
inevitable that the first “competitive” game of the season coupled with
the sky high temperatures, resulted in a fragmented game as the players
recovered from knocks and took frequent drink breaks.
Bedford dominated possession throughout the first half, despite some
excellent line-out work by Chris Jones, as Lions’ moves did not quite go
to plan, and support was slow to the breakdown allowing several Bedford
turnovers. However, Lions tackling held up well in the face of the
onslaught, but the defence was inevitably breached 6 times as gaps
appeared out wide. The nearest that Lions came to a score was when Jon
Boden put Gareth Collins in the clear, but the pass was a good couple of
yards forward.
Half time
Bedford 36 Lions 0
The
second half was a different affair, as Lions gradually found their feet
and secured more possession with the forwards displayed some excellent
ball retention skills. Unfortunately the Bedford defence was in no mood
to concede points, and several mid-field moves by Lions floundered on a
rock solid defence. However, Lions did manage to score 2 good tries,
whilst limiting Bedford to 1 score late in the half.
The
first Lions’ try came after several penalties against Bedford, testimony
to some driving Lions play, saw Lions with an attacking line-out in the
Bedford 22. Chris Jones took an excellent catch, and the ball was moved
right, then back left again to give Lloyd Warner space to crash over in
the corner and register Lions’ first points of the season. Jon Boden’s
conversion attempt drifted just wide.
Lions’ second try came as Bedford were exerting a rare spell of pressure
in the Lions’ half. Heroic defending by Lions kept out several forward
drives, the result of which left players scattered everywhere like extras
from T3 after Arnie has run amock. When the ball was moved infield from
an attacking line-out, it was the turn of the Bedford backs to get a
planned move slightly wrong, and the ball went to ground. Sam Stoop was
onto it in a flash and set of for the Bedford line 75 metres away. A
somewhat daunting task in the heat, and with a baying horde of Bedford
players in (very) hot pursuit. Sam showed a fine turn of speed to stay
ahead of the chasing Bedford contingent and cross wide out for a well
taken try. Jon Boden’s sweetly struck touchline conversion sailed between
the posts to give Lions victory in the half by 12 – 7!!!!!.
Final result:
Bedford 43 Lions 12
Don musings
There was much here for the Lions’ faithful to take heart from. The squad
is young, but enthusiastic, and there was certainly enough raw talent
displayed by both forwards and backs to show that the Judge has some good
material to work with. It also showed that there is going to be a healthy
competition for places, particularly at scrum half where Sam Rees, Elliott
Blundell, and “Wimpie” Jonker all performed well. Competition in other
areas will be heightened when players such as Steve Smith, Pete Roberts,
“Pig” Britten & Glen Carson,
return to the fray after being unavailable for this
trial.
So
what were the positives from the game? Well, the forwards displayed some
good ball retention, and the scrum looked very solid (honest!!!) with all
of the combinations of players that were tried.
In
terms of personal performances that caught the eye, Chris Jones was superb
in the lines, and certainly did his share in the loose, both in attack and
defence. Jon Boden and Alex Taylor looked sharp, and young Gareth Collins
looks eager for the fray. Newcomers Lloyd Warner, Sam Stoop and Michael
Tamati look extremely useful additions to the squad. Although given
little opportunity with ball in hand and room to manoeuvre, Kiyoto Inouye
(affectionately christened “Dave” by the travelling Sheddites…….it’s
easier to shout from the shed than Kiyoto!!) showed his speed with some
effective defence against attacking kicks. After Electric Eddie and
Ballistic Baker, could we now have Dynamite Dave??
All
in all a more than satisfactory start to the season. With another 3
“trial” games before the first league fixture, the Judge certainly looks
to have the material to mould a side capable of at least holding its own
in Division 2.
I’m
just looking forward to the first league win!! |
Starting
line-up:
15
Lloyd Warner
14
Kiyoto 'Dave' Inouye
13
Michael Tamati
12
Alex Taylor
11
Gareth Collins
10
Sam Stoop
9
Sam Rees
1
Richard Tarrant
2
Jamie Tyers
3
Alex Wilson
4
David Jones
5
Chris Jones
6
Joel Stannard
7
Tom Hames
8
Dan Southern
Replacements:
Phil Greenbury
Simon Black
Matt Davies
Andy Morris
Steve Stewart
Eddie Simkiss
Phil Skillen
Rob Gibson
Elliott Blundell
Jon Boden
Wimpie Jonker
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