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Rugby Lions comfortably overcame Midlands 1 side Dudley
Kingswinford to progress to the next round of the National Trophy at
Webb Ellis Road. With the Lions resting numerous first choice players,
it gave an opportunity to show the ability of the "fringe" players, and
they showed just what they are capable of with Chris Murphy scoring four
tries and Michael Rust on the other wing claiming two before being
replaced at halftime.
The scoring began in the ninth minute with Rust
touching down following a quick tap from Sam Viggars. Glenn Bond
surprisingly scuffed the conversion attempt. The second try came when a
sliced chip from Peter Glackin, just outside his own 22, found Chris
Murphy who cut inside and headed for the try line. As the cover came
across he combined with Dom Wareing to score a lovely converted try
under the posts. Wareing showed his versatility by having an excellent
game in the centre. Almost immediately Lions scored again when Michael
Rust joined a sweeping backs move down the left to interchange with
Murphy for another lovely try in the corner. Glenn Bond pushed the
conversion wide of the posts.
The support play from the Lions was superb with the
player in possession having options on both sides. Following a ruck in
front of the visitor’s posts, a lovely timed pass from Glackin put
Murphy in for a simple try. Wareing then took the ball at great pace to
scythe through the defence and feed Glenn Bond for a converted score in
injury time to complete the first half scoring.
Half Time: - Rugby Lions 29 Dudley Kingswinford 0
Lions began the second half in splendid fashion with
a length of the field try when Glackin and Tim Douglas combined to feed
Wareing. He cut inside and reached the 22 before passing to Paul
Thompson who drew the last defender before slipping the ball to Murphy
for his third try of the afternoon. Glenn Bond converted from in front
of the posts to make the score 36-0. Dudley hit back when their
impressive number eight Layton Wilkinson crossed the line for a
converted try following a close-in scrum.
Alex Nash then picked the ball up from a ruck on
Lion’s 22 and set off on a charge. He combined with Sam Viggars and
Danny Facer who expertly flipped the ball back to Paul Thompson just
inside the visitor’s 22. As he was tackled who should be on his shoulder
to take the scoring pass? Alex Nash of course. Glenn Bond again missed
the conversion to make the score 41-7. Glenn Bond then freed Dave
Clements down the right wing but play was bought back for a very
debatable forward pass with the try line beckoning.
Dudley reduced the deficit with an unconverted try
from a rolling maul, but Lions had the last say when Murphy claimed his
fourth try following a storming run from Danny Facer and brilliant skill
from Tim Douglas to supply him the ball.
This was a very impressive performance by Rugby with
yet more sublime tries being scored and shows the strength in depth of
the squad.
Next week sees a return to league action when Lions
visit bottom club Orrell who have yet to register a victory and due to
having points deducted for playing unregistered players, have a points
total of –3. Complacency would seem to be Rugby’s greatest danger
although I am sure coach Mark Ellis will do his utmost to prevent this. |
