Another depleted Lions side took on a similarly
fielded Old Northamptonians this weekend. Though the sun was out so was
the 100mph cross winds which would certainly be a factor in the game.
The opposition were no mugs and after an initial
period of open play from both squads a poor decision to kick saw the
ball picked up by the wind travel the full length of the field and out
the back. The return saw the ON’s forwards attack with force, good hands
then had them crossing in the corner – unconverted.
This seemed to do the trick for the Lions who, from
the restart, regained possession and applied huge pressure of their own.
Several phases of forwards play set Rhys off on a 20m dash before
offloading to support runner Jack who crossed over under the posts –
Craig converting.
The flow of the game began to come together for the
Lions crossing another three times but with out a score, either knocking
on or being held up.
Spurred on by this the forwards wanted to prove a
point with half time looming. An ON’s 5m line out was intercepted by
Paddy who crashed over for the Lions second try – unconverted.
The 2nd half began as the 1st
ended. The Lions forwards gaining momentum, linking well with the backs
putting the ON’s on the back foot. At 7mins several phases of pick and
drive had Aaron breaking out to score just right of the posts –
unconverted.
A set piece break out soon had Aaron crossing the
line again for a pressure relieving try – unconverted.
Another break out, this time of the back of the
scrum, saw Jove break free for 30m before being brought to ground, quick
support and hands from Greg gave Rhys all he needed to set him on his
way, crossing in the corner - unconverted.
ON’s hadn’t given up through out the game and with
seconds remaining crossed over under the posts after a well worked line
out move – converted.
Man of the match went to Paddy for his grit and
determination.
Both sides playing in the true spirit of the game –
well done.
Wellingborough Old Grammarians 5-29 Lions
In dreadful conditions Lions notched up yet another
victory. Against an incredibly strong wind in the 1st half Lions managed
to score 2 tries, which served unlikely as Lions got off to a bit of a
rocky start, mainly due to conceding too many penalties and putting
themselves under pressure. Lions eventually got themselves together and
scored a great try finally finished off by lock Henry Wise, followed by
another good forwards try from Sam Patterson. However, just before half
time, Grammarians scored an underserved try giving a half time score of
5-10 to Lions.
In the second half with a strong wind behind them Lions ran in 3 more
tries. Captain Joe Wheeler scoring the first 2 tries of the half, both
were great solo efforts. At the very end of the game Lions scored a
great break away try, created by centre Isaac Orr, who had a good solid
game, passing out to Aidan Derry to finish it off from 30 metres to
score under the posts. 2 conversions were scored in the second half, one
from Stuart Houghton and the other by Rob Hughes. Lions were very
convincing throughout the game and deserved the victory.
