|
Morley 16 Rugby Lions 38
Rugby Lions recorded their first away win of this
campaign with a thoroughly professional performance at Morley, in the
process ending the maroon and white’s eighteen month unbeaten home
record at Scatcherd Lane. Lions outscored their hosts by five tries to
one.
Matt Goode passed a late fitness test on a calf
injury to take his place in the starting line-up. Nick Sharpe replaced
Paul Thompson at No.8 in the only other change from last week’s team.
Morley were soon on the scoreboard when Glenn Boyd
converted a penalty for offside in the second minute. Lions replied in
style soon after when Matt Goode received the ball on half way and
tested his calf by sprinting straight down the centre of the pitch
through some weak tackling to score by the posts. James Hawken converted
for a 7-3 lead. From a midfield scrum, Toby Handley fed Hawken who
handed off a couple of challenges before chipping deftly for the
supporting Dominic Wareing to touch down under the posts for another
converted try.
Morley’s strength was reputedly their pack, but Lions
were competing well up front and were looking the better unit with the
lineout in particular working well. An uncharacteristically poor piece
of defending allowed Glenn Boyd to run through unopposed to reduce the
deficit to 10-14. Lions responded almost immediately when Alex Nash used
his deceptive strength to force his way over after receiving the ball
from Toby Handley.
Lions then contrived to keep Morley in contention by
conceding two penalties, which were converted by Glenn Boyd. James
Hawken replied with a penalty to end the half.
Half Time: - Morley 16 Rugby Lions 24
The next score was going to be all important and the
second half began in a scrappy fashion with both sides making a number
of handling errors. Lions were defending doggedly and as each minute
passed they increased the pressure up front and were gradually beginning
to dominate in this area, pushing Morley off their own scrum and
pinching a number of their lineouts. The referee was also getting
involved and was perhaps lucky to escape a yellow card after finishing
at the bottom of a ruck for a second time, clearly coming in from the
side.
The result was settled on 68 minutes when Ade Hales
set off on a cross-field run on Morley’s 22. You would have put money on
him scoring from there but he selflessly drew the full back and slipped
the ball to Alex Nash for another converted try under the posts.
It was one-way traffic now and Morley’s pack were
doing well to stay on their feet, so fast were they going backwards. The
final try came deservedly from a forward drive with Karl Braband
claiming the score.
The delight shown by the Lion’s players at the final
whistle was matched by the loyal band of travelling supporters and
indicated what a vital win this was. I would appeal to all Rugby’s
armchair supporters to get off their back-sides and get to Webb-Ellis
Road next Saturday. You will not be disappointed. |
