Lions shook off the disappointment of last week’s Moseley result to deliver an outstanding team performance against a strong Wharfedale outfit.  Some brilliant running and support play, coupled with the best pack performance of the season, plus some devastating defence, conjured up an unstoppable mixture to get Lions back to winning ways in style. 

New signing Lee Crofts made his debut at 6, with the versatile and ever-willing Glen Carson again deputising at lock for the unavailable Steve Smith and Tim Stannard, both of whom were suffering from flu.  The backs continued from last week when they looked so effective at Moseley, with Sam Stoop at fullback and Lloyd Warner partnering Pete Roberts in the centre.  Speedy scrum half Dan South replaced injured Gareth Collins on the wing, with Sam Rees taking over at scrum half. 

Dale danger man David Pears soon showed his intent with a sniping run from the off, and when Lions were penalised at the breakdown, the ex-international fly half put his team ahead with a simple penalty from the 22.  ( 0 – 3 ) 

Several expletives must have been going through Lee Crofts’ mind as he wondered what he had let himself in for at the first scrum, with Lions being shunted backwards with ease.  However, the pack retained its shape to allow Eddie Simkiss to tidy up effectively, something he, and later Lee Crofts, did admirably all afternoon. 

Some excellent work by the big Dale pack finally broke the Lions’ defence, as flanker Anthony Jackson powered over from close range.  David Pears added the conversion.  ( 5 – 10 ) 

The fly half made amends 10 minutes later with a simple penalty following driving play by the Lions’ forwards.  However, the scores were back level almost immediately, as David Pears slotted an identical penalty at the other end.  ( 13 – 13 ) 

More driving play by a rampant Lions’ pack saw Dale kill the ball in midfield, and Jon Boden stroked the 30 metres kick through the posts to regain the Lions’ lead.  ( 16 – 13 ) 

Then came a sickening moment as David Pears went for the gap, only to collide with the onrushing Eddie Simkiss with a sickening thud.  Referee Richard Phillips immediately stopped play as Pears went down like the proverbial sack of potatoes.  After a lengthy stoppage, the fly half was able to regain his feet, but looked as though he hadn’t a clue where he was.  Adam Oldfield took up his position at fly half from the bench. 

Centre Jonathan Davies took over the kicking role, and immediately restored parity when Lions were caught offside in the shadow of their posts.  ( 16 – 16 ) 

On the stroke of half time, Dale almost stole the lead as a flowing move was only stopped by some desperate last-ditch tackling by a determined Lions’ defence.  The final pass did not go to hand, and Jon Boden was able to clear from the resultant scrum. 

Half time 

Lions    16         Wharfedale        16

With Eddie Simkiss still feeling the effects of the collision with David Pears, John-Paul Filler came on as replacement, with Lee Crofts moving to number eight. 

Lions’ scoring machine was soon working smoothly again, this time with Jon Boden doing his impersonation of Jonny Wilkinson with a well taken drop goal.  ( 19 – 16 ) 

After Jonathan Davies missed a penalty for Dale, Lions scored the try of the game.  Quick thinking and a crafty kick by Jon Boden at the drop out saw Lions retain possession.  Dan South was released down the right and the scrum half did a superb impression of a flying winger, gaining ground before finding link-man Alex Nash on his shoulder.  The young flanker burst infield, and was hauled down 10 metres short, but the Lions’ pack was on hand to secure quick possession, and the ball was swung left where Lloyd Warner sliced through the remnants of the Dale cover for a superb try.  Jon Boden’s touchline conversion just slid past the post.  ( 24 – 16 )

Again Dale drove back at Lions, and only poor handling prevented a score.  Dale were now throwing everything at Lions, but the home side were in no mood to relinquish their lead.  Unfortunately the Dale number 8 ran out of ammunition, and decided to throw a punch instead, and was shown a yellow card for his indiscretion. 

Lions had the Judge screaming for them to retain possession, but a series of handling errors had him tearing out his already thinning hair.  However, Lions kept Dale at bay, and then a rare sortie into Dale territory saw Jon Boden stroke over a 35 metres penalty to ease the nerves of the Shed faithful.  ( 27 – 16 ) 

Dale were soon back on the attack, and with Pig Brittin and Phil Grennbury both suffering blood wounds, Matt Davies and Danny Facer took to the fray, with the versatile Glen Carson moving to prop.   

Lions were living dangerously, but a superb interception by Spencer Brown saw him leaping high to take what would have been a scoring pass.  The Dale pack were now winding things up, and a penalty was tapped to the corner.  The take was good and the drive was on.  Earlier in the season this would have signalled a certain score for the opposition, but not this time.  The Lions’ pack showed their metal and their improved technique to halt the drive.  In fact it was so good they did it twice as Dale were awarded another penalty that was tapped to the corner.   

Lions deservedly had the final say in this see-saw battle as they penned Dale down in their own 22.  Chasing a score, desperate handling and more crunching tackles by Lions forced the error.  When Dale were penalised at the scrum, up stepped Jon Boden to plant the ball firmly between the posts, and there was no coming back for Dale. 

Final result: 

Lions    30         Wharfedale        16

Don's musings 

Following the Nottingham game I asked for Lions to show some of the Doncaster spirit.  Well it was certainly in evidence today with a superb all round team performance.  It would be wrong to single out any individuals…..but I’m going to anyway.  Lee Crofts added a steel to the pack that has been lacking this season.  He brings a wealth of experience with him and leads by example.  He looks just the pack leader we need to translate Judge’s tactics into practice on the pitch.  Dave Campton is looking imperious in the lines, and does his share in the loose as well.  Alex Nash is improving with every game and his non-stop action performances are warming the hearts in the Shed.  Glen Carson is doing a superb job as a versatile pack member, and never gives less than 100%. 

With Tim Stannard and Steve Smith waiting in the wings, Lions at last look to have a pack that can provide the possession for our speedy backs to provide us with the entertainment, and the wins, that we crave.  Lions now look capable of giving anyone in the division a run for their money.  The acid test will be next week when Lions travel up the dreaded M6 to take on league leaders Sedgely Park. 

The Lions’ new management and coaching set up must have been well pleased with the result, but more importantly with how it was achieved.  After last season’s traumas, it is no wonder that spectators turned their attentions elsewhere, but surely more performances like this will see them returning to the fold.  Let’s hope that the management see sense and drop the whole idea of playing home games at the Butts Stadium.  Webb Ellis Road is the home of the Lions, and long may it remain so.

Alex Nash

The last time that Wharfedale were in Rugby they lost 37-18 to a Lions team that had won seven successive games, a somewhat better position than the Lions find themselves in today, and a totally different world from last year. At the end of that season (2000/01) Wharfedale finished in sixth place in this division. They held that place into 2001/02, but last season they dropped down to eleventh place, just ahead of Nottingham. In common with Nottingham they have made a much better start to this season and currently occupy third place behind Harrogate..

So far this season Wharfedale have won seven league games (Rosslyn Park, Bracknell, Esher, Stourbridge and Nuneaton at home and Newbury and Lydney away. Three games have been lost to Moseley (at home) Sedgley Park and Nottingham (away). Last weekend they scored 52 points against visitors Stourbridge. 

Rugby’s team were denied, if not a victory, at least a draw at Bournbrook last Saturday. The video clearly demonstrated a poor refereeing decision in the case of Tim O’ Shea’s disallowed first half try, and surely at least one of the “drive-overs” was a good one. Wharfedale’s league position suggests that they will provide the Lions with something of a handful but, as has been said here before, if the defence is tightened with telling tackles and the handling is good, the improving forward play could carry the day, and it would do us all a power of good for the following week’s venture up north.