Rugby Lions U14’s 58 – Daventry 5

Sunday 22^nd April 2007

The Rugby Lions U14’s were in fine form on this sunny Sunday morning though the pitch was solid conditions suited the squad’s style of playing.

From the opening whistle it was apparent who the likely victors were going to be. With grit and determination the Lions dominated most areas of the field and within three minutes were crossing the line with the welcome return of Joe Fenwick Wilson taking the spoils – unconverted.

More quality forwards work set Jove up for another show and go splitting the centres to touch down just left of the posts – unconverted.

The third try came from a training field move, forwards setting the platform to release the backs who after great hands down the line sent Dom over in the corner – Greg converting.

More pressure rugby and quick hands off the back of a ruck set Jove up for his second and the Lions fourth try touching down right of the posts – unconverted.

Keeping up the momentum the forwards did some scoring of their own. Spoiling a five metre Daventry line out the Lions back row crashed through to pounce on the ball, Luke finally touching down after some frantic recovery attempts – Greg converting to finish the half on 29 – 0.

No sooner had the second half began than the Lions were again piling on the pressure. A Daventry five metre line out was spoiled by the pack allowing Greg to run through the quarters and touch down for the first try – unconverted.

Daventry did however show some determination of their own forcing the Lions deep into their own 22, unfortunately a stolen ball at the ruck and quick hands from 9 & 10 sent Rhys on a seventy metre dash to continue the damage – unconverted.

Another player adding to his recent tally crossed the line after a move straight out of the text books, stolen lineout ball travelled through the softest of hands at very close quarters before great supporting play from Dan gifted him the try under the posts – Greg converting.

More came after a total team effort droving the opposition back further and further, finally within striking range Skezza broke through for the Lions fourth try this half – unconverted.

But hat’s off to Daventry, back they came deep into the Lions 22 and after a period of applied pressure a mistake was pounced upon. A poor pass intercepted and driven through just left of the uprights finally put points on their score board– unconverted.

However the game was definitely the Lions and as if to out do his previous effort Rhys finds him self in open space, after more fluid backs play, just shy of his own try line, with pace drawn from who knows where he takes off up the field to finish the game off under the oppositions posts – Greg converting.

A highly spirited game by Daventry. A superb game from the Lions.

Man of the match for his relentless efforts – Sam Skerrat (Skezza) great performance.

Burntwood 0 The Rugby Lions U14’s 56. Sunday 29^th April

The final game of the season and what a perfect setting - conditions were dry and the ground still with a little give, certainly not as hard as those in Rugby.

From the kick off it was apparent who was to come away victors of this competition, the question was how spirited would the opposition be towards the latter stages.

The opening try for the Lions came a minute into the game, excellent forwards work from Tom H and Ryan set the backs up for the spoils, good hands from Greg, Jove and Joe set Paul off across the line - Skez converting. The Lions back row has certainly improved over recent weeks and to prove the point Skez took the next try after quality scavenging – unconverted. One dominant factor through out the game was the forwards play and right on queue Sam H breaks through Burntwoods defence to score the Lions third – unconverted. Looking to break the defence again a chip and chase presents Joe FW with an excellent try of his own under the post – Skez converting.

Applying some pressure of their own Burntwood force a Lions error deep in their half unfortunately the resulting penalty kick was missed. From the 22 drop the Lions roared back into action with Luke retaining the ball before quick hands down the backs had Kev going over in the corner – unconverted. Trying to put some shape back into the game the call was to play it basic. Jove clearing his line lands an opposition lineout well in their 22. Having stolen several against the head already Aaron does it again this time careering through for 10m before diving over for the last try of this half – unconverted.

Revitalised from the 10minute break Burntwood came out running only to be denied by last defence Rhys who ran out of the Lions 22 several times to turn the tide and put the home side back on the back foot. This turning of the game soon paid dividends when a quality back attack resulted in Kev going over for his second and the Lions eighth – unconverted. On nine minutes the Lions went down to 14 men and with no replacements had to alter the structure of the pack. Up stepped Dom and into the second row he went, from wing! The next scrum would be a real test and true to form the Lions passed with flying colours. With renewed enthusiasm the boys spoilt an oppo 5m lineout and crashed through with Luke on the ball like a rash touching down under the up rights – Greg converting. As the game began it ended with the Lions having the final word. Joe B hitting his target in the line out sets up a rolling maul from the back of which Dan peels off and powers through for his first and the last score of the game – unconverted.

Big thanks to Burntwood who certainly under stand the true spirit of the game on and off the pitch.

Two seasons and just two loses – it’s a real privilege to be your coaches – well done guys.

Lions 15-5 Northampton BBOBs

Lions finished off the season with a well hard fought victory against an opposition that were fully committed throughout.  BBOBs completely dominated the opening 15 minutes of the 1st half. That was until Tom Swift broke away superbly from his own 22 to score a great individual try. BBOBs fought back well and scored a try just before half time, to give a deserved half time score of 5 points each. Lions upped their game in the 2nd half and dominated it. It was quite late in the game though before Lions managed to breach BBOBS defense. Yet again it was Tom Swift who broke through for his second try of the game. After the 2nd try Lions continued to pressure and just before the final whistle Liam Deery burst over the line from a stolen lineout ball to give Lions a well deserved win.

Thanks go to coach Sean Deery for all his hard work during the season, all the lads and parents appreciate all his efforts he has put into a very successful season.