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The
Webb Ellis Road pitch looked an absolute picture in the summer sunshine as
the new look Lions ran out to test themselves against a big, strong, and
extremely well developed Coventry development squad.
Again, there were a number of absentees from the Lions’ squad, so the
starting line up had last years’ colts Jonnie Fletcher and Tim Douglas on
the left wing and centre.
It
proved to be a baptism of fire for the youngsters as Cov tore into the
Lions from the off, and had scored 3 tries before Lions even got a glimpse
of the ball. 6 minutes gone and Cov were in front 0 – 19. “Oh dear, here
we go again”……or words to that effect…..could be heard coming from the
Sheddites. Oh ye of little faith!! Suddenly Lions gained some possession
and made good ground to within 10 metres of the Cov line.
A
penalty was awarded as Lions were halted illegally, and Andy Regan
despatched the kick to the corner. A good take from Steve Stewart and the
drive was on. Excellent technique against a bigger pack saw the ball
driven over for Lions’ first home points of the season. How ironic that
it should come from a line out drive……..a move that proved to be the
undoing of the team so many times last season!! Allan Mitchell’s
conversion attempt came back off the post. ( 5 – 19 )
Better was to come as Lions started to see more possession and grow in
confidence. More pressure in the Cov 22 saw Lions tap a penalty and drive
in. When Cov were penalised again for not retreating 10 metres, Steve
Halsey took a quick tap, and the pack drove him over for another good
score. This time Allan Mitchell’s conversion was straight and true. ( 12
– 19 )
Wilf Barclay replaced Eddie Simkiss for the second 20 minutes, but Cov
started this period as they had done the first. Despite some aggressive
tackling, Lions had no answer to some compelling support and ball
retention, as Cov ran in another 3 converted tries. ( 12 – 40 )
But
Lions refused to lie down, and were camped in the Cov 22 as half time
approached. A deft chip over bounced beautifully for Jonnie Fletcher to
take the ball at speed and cross wide out. Allan Mitchell’s conversion
was well off target.
Half time
Lions 17 Coventry 40
Carl Southwell replaced Matt Davies at the start of the second half, and
Glen “the beauty” Carson was replaced by Richard “the beast” Mee. Matt
Goode replaced Andy Regan at fly half (I think!!). Again Cov were first
to score as the game resumed, as first they looked to have squandered an
overlap, but managed to scramble a score, then poor tackling allowed a
good score in the corner. With 1 conversion, Lions were again left
trailing in the Coventry wake. ( 17 – 52 )
With Will Jones on for Carl Southwell, Lions scored an absolute beauty as
Allan Mitchell broke from his own 22. Support was on hand as Lions worked
the ball to Gareth Collins, who put in a long kick to the Cov line. The
defence looked to have the danger covered, but Lions were up quickly to
turn the ball over, and good hands gave James Hawken just enough room to
crash over in the corner. Allan Mitchell’s touchline conversion was
wide. ( 22 – 52 )
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It
was all Lions now as the Cov number 8, who had already been spoken to a
number of times, deliberately pulled down a rolling maul. The ball was
despatched to the corner, the line out was good, and Tristan Wati was on
hand to crash over. Again, the conversion was missed. ( 27 – 52 ) |
Lions were now playing with an air of confidence, with the pack looking
strong and the backs showing pace and skill. Glen Carson came back on to
give Necky Mee a well-earned rest, with Jamie Tyers and Neil Hedley coming
on for the last quarter.
Neil Hedley quickly caught the eye, several times catching his opposite
number at the base of the scrum. On one of these occasions, he created
havoc in the Cov ranks, and Gareth Collins pounced on the loose ball to
race in from the 22 and score with a graceful dive. Not quite good enough
to win a medal in the Olympics, but entertaining nevertheless. This time
the conversion was good. ( 34 – 52 )
On
the stroke of full time, Neil Hedley broke beautifully from a scrum, and
was just caught as Gareth Collins came steaming up in support.
Unfortunately the scrum half could neither pass nor kick and the chance
was lost.
Final result:
Lions 34 Coventry 52
Don's musings
A
much improved performance from the previous week at Barking must have
given BrettanElla a sense of satisfaction. Despite being up against a
bigger and faster outfit, Lions never gave up, scored some excellent tries
themselves, and produced some devastating tackling and turnovers. There
was certainly much in evidence to give the coaches food for thought as
they look towards selecting a team for the opening league game in 2 weeks
time.
So
who caught the eye today? Everyone played with a spirit and determination
that was sadly lacking last season, which augurs well for the new
campaign. It was good to see several youngsters standing up to be
counted, and not shirking their responsibilities. Tristan Wati looked a
more than useful acquisition with his all action display at prop, and Neil
Hedley impressed with his constant sniping and lightning breaks.
So……on to Leamington on Tuesday, and a chance for the team to continue its
improvement. Let’s hope that more of the squad are available so that
BrettanElla can cast their eye over them in a match situation.
Then Moseley visit Webb Ellis Road next Saturday, by which time
BrettanElla should have a good idea of the starting line up for the league
game against Darlington. On the evidence to date, competition for places
will be fierce, which can only be good for the squad. |
