In the new Rugby Times of 30^th May2006 there appeared some information to get the Lions supporters, still basking in their team’s promotion success, thinking about the forthcoming season back in National 3 North.

Two pre-season ‘quad tournaments’ would be held at Webb Ellis Road. On August 12^th the Lions would play Cinderford, Market Bosworth and Reading. A week later on August 19^th the home side would entertain Luton, South Leicester and a third (as yet unnamed) team. Games on each occasion were to last for 25 minutes. A 2.00pm start was proposed with a barbecue to follow the competition.

In the Rugby Advertiser of June 1^st, there was a statement from chairman, David Owen with details of a coaching and management structure to service the Lions XV, the Crusaders XV, the Colts(U19) XV and the U17 XV working under the guidance of Director of Coaching, Mark Ellis. 1^st XV Coaches were Richard Gee and Richard Mee and the Manager Steve King. For the Crusaders it was Tony Smith and Bruce McGill with Manager Keith Lawson. The U19 Colts Coaches were Steve Halsey and Tony Bristow with Managers Rob Bean and Fred McKenzie. Coaches for the U17s were Neil Riley and Peter Glackin with Manager Paul Downes.

In the greater rugby sphere there was the usual spat between the RFU and the Premier clubs. On this occasion it was about releasing players for an additional autumn international, against the All Blacks, to celebrate the opening of (and to help pay for) Twickenham’s new South Stand

Toward the end of June the National 3 North fixture list appeared and was commented on in a Rugby Times interview with Crusaders Backs Coach, Tony Smith. Rugby were given two consecutive home games with which to start the season, but had to travel to Darlington Mowden Park for the last game in April.

Changes were afoot in the Midlands league structure with the disappearance of the county leagues. Clubs at that level, such as Rugby St Andrews would be reallocated to the new Midlands 5 and 6

In the first week of July the local press announced new Rugby Lions signings; Matt Lister, Tristan Wati and Dominic Wareing. Wati, who was a member of the Lions squad in 2004/05, was returning to the front row and Lister would be in the second row, where he made a solitary appearance in 2005/06. Wareing, a fitness instructor, was formerly with Northampton Academy.

Training sessions began at Rugby St Andrews ground on Ashlawn Road, with around 35 participants present at the first of them at the end of June. Another pre-season trial game v Dunstablians had been arranged for August 23^rd at Webb Ellis Road.

The RFU were still seeking a ‘Supremo’ to replace the long-gone Clive Woodward, somebody to whom the England coach, Andy Robinson, would be responsible. The likely candidates were, Eddie Jones, Jake White and Pat Howard from SANZAR and Rob Andrew or a returning Clive Woodward. There was much press speculation about who might be chosen, with the Guardian tipping Woodward or Jones in mid-July.

Further Lions recruits were mentioned in the Rugby Times of 25^th July. These related to a returning Toby Handley, Peter Glackin a new fly half, and former Welsh Schools captain, Tommy Booth.

Jonny Wilkinson made his reappearance and Andy Farrell (the under-utilised rugby league convert) made a first appearance in England’s elite national squad for the autumn internationals. A New Zealander, Dr Scott Creswell, published the results of a two-year study of player burnout in the Guinness Premiership. 60% of players said the season was too long and 66% of England’s elite players felt they were playing too much rugby. While 59% said that the standard of coaching at their clubs was good, only 14% thought the same of the England coaching set-up; 39% said it was average.

More Lions news was to be had in the Rugby Times of 8^th August with mention of new signing Adrian Hales, a winger formerly with Burton and a prolific try scorer. Other names referred to were former Worcester Academy scrum half, David Pritchard and James Hunt a former England Schools centre. Mike Rust, who had impressed in last season’s trials, now finished at Uni and teaching locally, would also be available. Similar reports appeared in the Rugby Advertiser and Rugby Observer, both of which mentioned another new recruit, Stuart McHarg (son of former Scotland international lock, Alastair). The Advertiser also reported that the Lions were sending a team to take part in a quadrangular tournament in Den Haag, Holland on the weekend of 18^th – 20^th August.

By the day of the first quadrangular trial, on August 12^th, Market Bosworth had withdrawn thus making it triangular. It was a pleasantly warm afternoon and those who turned out to watch enjoyed the rugby.

Match 1 Rugby v Cinderford (National 3 South)

James Hawken; Dave Clements, Ricky Hislop, Matt Goode, Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Sam Viggers; Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies, Jamie Tyers, Neil Underhill, James Wadey, Tommy Booth, Alex Nash, Danny Facer

Andy Regan; Ade Hales, James Hunt, Ricky Hislop, Chris Murphy; Pete Glackin, David Pritchard; Tristan Wati, Sam Overton, Jamie Tyers, Neil Underhill, Stuart McHarg, Wilf Barclay, Lloyd Saunders, James Wadey.

Tries: Hales, Barclay. Yellow card: Barclay

Half time: 0-12

Full time: 10-12

Match 2 Rugby v Reading (South West 1)

James Hawken; Ben Roberts, James Hunt, Matt Goode, Chris Murphy; Andy Regan, Sam Viggers; Tristan Wati, Adam Bond, Sam Overton, Neil Underhill, Stuart McHarg, Stuart Lynch, Alex Nash, James Wadey.

James Hawken; Adie Hales, Matt Goode, Ricky Hislop, Dave Clements; Richard Parker, Pete Glackin (Tommy Turner); Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies, Sam Overton, Neil Underhill, Stuart McHarg, Tommy Booth, Lloyd Saunders, Danny Facer.

Tries: Murphy, Greenbury

Half time: 5-5

Full time: 10-10

Reading win overall

The club’s AGM was held on Monday 14^th August.

Reporting on the first trial, the following week the Rugby Observer showed a distinct lack of observation when going to press with their report located under the sport banner of Hockey. The Rugby Times and Rugby Advertiser both produced some excellent match pictures.

In the third week of August the press declared that the appointment of the new England Supremo was imminent and that it would be either Rob Andrew or Clive Woodward. The announcement that Rob Andrew had been chosen was made on August 17^th.

From the 18^th to the 20^th August the Rugby Lions took part in the Annual 15-a-side Tournament organised by Haagsche Rugby Club, in the beautiful city of Hague, Netherlands. The format involved four teams made up by Portsmouth Rugby Club (recently promoted to London 1), Old Albanians (London 1), Rugby Lions and the hosts Haagsche, one of the largest rugby clubs in the National 1 league in Holland.

In the 1st game played on Friday night, the Lions played Portsmouth, winning 39-5 and Old Albanians beat the hosts Haagsche. On Sunday afternoon, Haagsche played Portsmouth for the 3rd place play-off, the match ending in a 17-17 draw, followed by the final in which the Rugby Lions beat Old Albanians 32-11 to win the Paul Bechet Cup, presented to them in front of TV cameras by Tony Boersma, the Haagsche club President.

The Rugby Lions thanked the Haagsche Rugby Club (and all its officials) for their wonderful hospitality and the excellent organisation. Every player and the management team enjoyed their weekend to a man and hoped that one day they would be able to reciprocate the hospitality.

Match Report

The trend in both matches that the Lions played was very similar. Portsmouth and Old Albanians dominated possession in the first halves after the Lions had made excellent starts in the early stages. Rugby showed great resolve and determination, especially in defence and tried to move the ball wide at every opportunity, where they always looked dangerous.

Teamwork and camaraderie, allied with fitness won the day for the Lions with tries being claimed by Michael Rust, Dave Clements, Ade Hales, Sam Viggers and Alex Nash against Portsmouth. James Hawken converted 4 tries and kicked 2 penalties.

Against Old Albanians, and after trailing 11:10 at half time, Rugby pulled away with tries from Dave Clements, Matt Goode, Adam Bond and Ade Hales (2) with James Hawken contributing a penalty and 2 conversions.

Rust: Clements, Goode, Hawken, Hales: Turner, Viggers:

Overton, Bond, Tyers: Mapp, Wadey: Facer, Nash, Booth

Subs: Saunders L, Pritchard, Parker, Greenbury

Rust: Clements, Hawken, Viggers, Hales: Turner, Pritchard:

Overton, Bond, Tyers: Mapp, Wadey: Saunders, Nash, Booth

Subs: Facer, Parker, Goode, Bristow, Greenbury

That completed a preseason programme which had been more demanding than usual, but it had given Mark Ellis and his team a clear picture of what was in their armoury. It had also started to bind the players into a closer unit than had been the case in some seasons in the recent past.

The second quadrangular trial on Saturday 19^th August at Webb Ellis Road having lacked a third visiting team, had now suffered the withdrawal of South Leicester, so the trial turned out to be a straight game against old Midlands 1 adversaries, Luton. The visitors came back very strongly in the second half to secure a deserved victory.

Rugby: Andy Regan; Mike Mudd, James Hunt, Ricky Hislop, Chris Murphy; Pete Glackin, Toby Handley; Kelvin Todd, Matt Davies, Tristan Wati, Neil Underhill, Austin Watts, Wilf Barclay, Dave Laubscher, Nick Sharpe.

Subs: Adam Bowser, Alex Jones, Danny Large, Ian Renard, Chris King, Mike Blair

Scorers: Try: Hislop, Laubscher, Handley. Con: Glackin

Half Time: Rugby 17 Luton 7

Full Time: Rugby 17 Luton 24

On Wednesday 23^rd August Broadstreet replaced Dunstablians who had to withdraw. The ‘local derby’ aspect made for some furious rugby with no quarter given.

James Hawken, (Andy Regan); David Clements (Mike Mudd), Matt Goode, Dominic Wareing, Ade Hales (Mike Rust), Toby Handley, Pete Glackin (Tommy Turner, Huw Jones); Phil Greenbury. Matt Davies (C), Tristan Wati (Simon Keller), Neil Underhill, Johnathan Stannard, Wilf Barclay (Danny Facer, Lloyd Saunders), Alex Nash (Richard Parker), Tommy Booth.

Half Time: Rugby 7 Broadstreet 0

Full Time: Rugby 24 Broadstreet 7

Try: Hawken, Wareing, Booth, Jones. Con: Hawken (2), Jones

Yellow cards: Handley, Barclay

Broadstreet had three yellow cards

The last of the trial games took place on the following evening against National 3 South side Old Patesians. Rugby were trailing by two points at the end of each 30 minute period.

Tommy Turner: Mike Rust, James Hunt (Ian Renard), Ricky Hislop, Mike Mudd; Andy Regan (Ade Hales, Dominic Wareing), David Pritchard (Sam Viggers); Jamie Tyers, Adam Bond (Adam Bowser, Tristan Wati), Sam Overton, Ian Mapp (Steve Stewart), Stuart McHarg (Danny Large), Nicky Sharpe (Alex Nash), Danny Facer (Johnathan Stannard), Paul Thompson (Lloyd Saunders).

Third Time: Rugby 8 Old Patesians 10

Two Thirds Time: Rugby 13 Old Patesians 15

Full Time Rugby 16 Old Patesians 18

Try: Rust, Regan. Pen: Regan (2)

On the Wednesday before the start of Rugby’s league programme, in an interview with the Guardian’s Robert KItson, England coach, Andy Robinson insisted that, despite the arrival of Rob Andrew, team selection remained in his hands and, he added his belief that England could still win the Rugby World Cup. Two days later Kitson was interviewing Rob Andrew who made it clear that nobody’s position was safe, implying that if England’s team continued to lose games Andy Robinson might also become a casualty.

The Lions league season opened at Webb Ellis Road on Saturday 2^nd September with the visit of Darlington Mowden Park. The Lions started with new wingers (Hales and Wareing), new halfbacks (Glackin and Handley) and a recently returned prop (Tristan Wati). All the other faces were from the class of 2005/06. James Hawken was chosen as fullback. The season’s new captain, Matt Davies was the starting hooker.

The initial exchanges were evenly distributed although, due to the conditions, play was mostly contested in the visitors half. Lions tried running the ball whenever possible but without breaking the visitors firm defence. As half time approached with only nine points on the board courtesy of three penalty kicks from full back James Hawken, a scintillating break by fly half Glackin and an inside pass to Ade Hales ended with the winger scoring his first try for his new club. Hawks converted to make the half time score, at 16-0, a little more comfortable. Even so, with the strength of the blustery wind many of the watching crowd wondered whether the lead would provide a sufficient advantage.

Soon after the restart, Ricky Hislop departed with what looked like a rib injury and he was replaced by Sam Viggars. Lions were now dominating possession despite experiencing difficulty with the line-outs and gaps were now appearing in DMP’s defence. With the gale in their faces the Lions had no option but to run everything and this ploy appeared to be working for them.

A darting run by Toby Handley in front of the shed and some skilful interplay with Paul Thompson and Phil Greenbury was stopped just short of the line but when the visitors’ prop killed the ball from an offside position he was shown the yellow card.

Exploiting their numerical advantage the home pack was totally in control. Although Tristan Wati appeared to cross the line for a try, play was bought back for a 5 metre scrum to the Lions. From here a flowing backs move with Ade Hales joining the line led to a lovely Hawken try in front of the clubhouse. Unsurprisingly the conversion was blown well off course by the wind. Another fine back line move led to Dominic Wareing receiving the ball on the wing although he appeared to be outnumbered by defenders. However, he cleverly and speedily wriggled though to crash over for try number three.

The visitor’s play was now becoming rather undisciplined and their number eight was lucky to escape the sin-bin after misuse of his boot. He failed to learn his lesson, and was yellow carded shortly afterwards for repeating the offence.

Lions maintained the pressure and secured the four try bonus point following a crunching tackle by Matt Goode. The ball was spilled and collected by Sam Viggars who raced over for the all important try.

Ade Hales then produced a powerful cross-field run starting inside his own half to notch up try number five and give the Lion’s supporters a promise of more to come in the future. Art the final whistle the Lions were 36-0 winners.

Supporters Man of the Match: Toby Handley

Rugby: James Hawken, Ade Hales, Matt Goode, Ricky Hyslop (Sam Viggers), Dominic Wareing; Peter Glackin, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (C) (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati (Jamie Tyers), Neil Underhill, James Wadey, Nick Sharpe (Wilf Barclay), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson.

Darlington Mowden Park: Ian Dixon, Matt Barker; Gareth Kerr, Jamie Connolly, Ben Allerton; Tony Mellalieu (Chris True), Andrew Foreman; Ian Keeligan, Danny Brown (Robert Liddell), David Sinclair (Andrew Dixon), Naude Pretorius (Andrew Tonkins), Ian Robinson, Luke Monument, Tim Wilks, Jason Smithson.

Referee: Keith Lewis

Blaydon 7 Preston Grasshoppers 26

Darlington 3 Cleckheaton 13

Fylde 29 1 Hull Ionians 0

Morley 47 1 Orrell 7

West Park 25 Tynedale 34

Leicester Lions 27 Macclesfield 23 1

Rugby Lions had been given two successive home league fixtures to begin the 2006/07 season, and seven days later they welcomed the only other Midlands team in National 3 North. Leicester Lions were close enough to assume the form of a local derby side, added to which their squad contained several ex Rugby players. Rugby’s team had only one change with Wilf Barclay starting and Danny Facer coming on to the bench.

Leicester provided a much sterner test for Rugby in the meeting of two Lions on a bright and warm September afternoon.

Rugby started well playing into a light breeze and after the visitors lost their first and only lineout of the game, James Hawken took the penalty points when Leicester went offside. From the restart, Matt Davies collected a loose ball to set up a ruck. Handley released winger Hales to whizz down the line in front of the shed. With perfect timing he returned the ball to his scrum half on the 22 metre line who then shot through for the first try. Hawks missed a fairly straightforward conversion, but things were looking good.

Rugby conceded their first score of the season when Barclay was pinged for coming into a ruck from the side. Former Rugby wing/full back Alan Mitchell collected the three points.

A classic run from Dom Wareing, starting in front of his own goalposts, ended with a failed dropped goal attempt from Peter Glackin. Then Alan Mitchell almost scored in the left corner but he pushed the ball forward in the tackle.

Just into the second quarter Wilf was yellow carded for handling the ball on the floor. A superb Hawken break was continued by Matt Goode with a deft boot, but he was pulled back by his shirt just short of the line. The referee saw this and awarded a penalty but signally failed to sin-bin the culprit. By failing to kick the penalty goal, Hawks did no better. Half time duly arrived with the score a disappointing 8-3 to Rugby.

The second half mirrored the first with Leicester being penalised for jumping early at a Rugby line-out on their own 22. With the visitors still trying to regroup, the alert Handley, in Dawson fashion, took a quick tap and fed Alex Nash who scored by the posts. With the breeze now at his back Hawks kicked the conversion to bring the score to 15-3.

From a lineout on Rugby’s five metre line, Leicester tried to make use of their superior size to maul over the try line, but Rugby ripped the ball from them and began to drive their opponents back at a great pace, only to be halted on the 22 when the maul was pulled down. The visitor’s prop, Gareth Jones, received a yellow card for the offence.

Leicester’s agile back line, well organised by fly half Tony Lintern, and helped by Rugby missing some first up tackles, was becoming more of a danger now with their increased possession. Rugby however always managed to regroup and break up any attacks and never really looked like conceding a try. Hawken added a further penalty to make the score 18-3, which is how it remained until the final whistle.

Supporters Man of the Match: Alex Nash

Rugby: James Hawken, Ade Hales, Matt Goode, Ricky Hyslop (Sam Viggers), Dominic Wareing; Peter Glackin, Toby Handley (Sam Viggers), Phil Greenbury (Sam Overton), Matt Davies (C), Tristan Wati (Jamie Tyers), Neil Underhill, James Wadey, Wilf Barclay (Danny Facer), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson.

Leicester Lions: Chris Woods, Rob Campbell; Joe Hill (Greg Burnham), Alan Mitchell, Gareth Collins (Dan Yuill); Tony LIntern, Eiten Van Den Brink; Stuart Pearman, Dale Ager, Gareth Jones, Junior Fagalilo, Ben Pain, Tom Evans (Rod McNaughton), Frank Nock, Chris Tarbuck. Sub n/u John Russell.

Referee: Dave Edmunds

Cleckheaton 21 1 Morley 28 1

Darlington MP 34 1 West Park 27 1

Hull Ionians 20 1 Darlington 22

Orrell 0 Macclesfield 51 1

Preston Grasshoppers 18 Fylde 10

Tynedale 18 Blaydon 37 1

Home games could not go on for ever, even if the fans would wish them to, but most away games this season would necessitate long journeys and the following Saturday’s game was no exception. The Lions had to travel up to Liverpool to take on newly promoted West Park St Helens at Red Rocks. Injury and unavailability precipitated several changes in the team with Dave Clements, Tommy Turner, Sam Viggers and Jon Stannard in the starting lineup and David Jackson and Tommy Booth new to the bench.

The Lions made a poor start when they conceded a penalty goal very early on to unnecessary foul play. Park’s reliable kicker, Andrew Soutar delivered the points as expected. Further indiscretions committed whilst attacking, saw an unprepared defence fail to stop Park’s centre, Briers from scoring the first try. Soutar converted from near the touchline. To add injury to insult, Ricky Hyslop went off with leg damage and Sam Viggers moved to centre with Dave Jackson coming on at scrum half.

Rugby gradually got into the game despite their lack of composure and on 36 minutes James Hawken’s boot put over a penalty kick from inside his own half. Just into added time Rugby forced fullback Soutar to take the ball into touch. From the lineout Nash drove forward before slipping the ball to Wareing who scored the Lions first try. Hawken did not convert it and half time arrived with West Park ahead by 10-5.

After the break Hawken quickly moved the Lions ahead with another penalty goal. Five minutes later Viggers’ break set up a drive that led to a try for Jacko after some neat ball moving between him and Tommy Turner; Hawks conversion was a formality. The visitors kept up the pressure and Wilf Barclay’s try came via, Goode (mazy run/pass), Turner (chip), Clements (catch/pass) and Hawken (pass). Hawks’ conversion was in/off and it took the score to 10-25.

At that point the Lions relaxed with fatal consequences. West Park found their way to a five metre lineout and efficiently drove over for a try which Souter made up to seven points. Keeping up the pace Park worked another penalty for Souter to add another three points, now reducing Rugby’s lead to five points. With six minutes to go their left wing, Mark Turner scored the equalizing try with Souter edging them ahead.

Hawks missed a difficult penalty and minutes later, when running out of defence, his pass was intercepted by Park replacement Lawrenson whose try under the Lions posts was inevitably converted by Souter to leave his team 34-25 winners with his own haul of 14 kicked points.

Rugby: James Hawken, Dave Clements, Matt Goode, Ricky Hyslop (David Jackson), Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Sam Viggers, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (C), Tristan Wati (Jamie Tyers), Jon Stannard, James Wadey, Wilf Barclay (Tommy Booth), Alex Nash, Nick Sharpe. Sub n/u Sam Overton

West Park: Andrew Souter; Mark Turner, Sam Reay, Stephen Briers (C), David Wimpenny (Phil Lawrenson); Neil Ryan, Matthew Bebbington; Ian McLoughlin (Mark Devine), Ian Critchley (Craig Smithson), Sean Gibney, Alan Marsh, David Westhead, Paul Bamber (Mark Williams, Wayne Clayton, Matthew Henwood.

Referee: Chris Seeley

Blaydon 52 1 Darlington MP 24

Darlington 24 1 Preston Grasshoppers 27 1

Fylde 14 Tynedale 14

Leicester Lions 21 Orrell 13

Macclesfield 22 Cleckheaton 18 1

Morley 19 Hull Ionians 13 1

Rugby were back at Webb Ellis Road a week later to play Blaydon, one of the clubs fancied for promotion. There was bad news on the fitness front as Ricky Hyslop’s leg injury was once again a damaged knee and he would be out for the rest of the season. Sam Viggers took his place but would not wear the No.12 shirt as that was the one he wore when he broke his leg at Luctonians in 2005/06. He swapped shirts with fullback James Hawken. Tommy Turner kept his place but Toby Handley returned to partner him. Jamie Tyers came in for Tristan Wati with Kelvin Todd benching. Andy Regan was the replacement back.

Rugby scored in the second minute when Matt Goode chipped through to the corner and Hawken neatly flipped the ball up for Dom Wareing to touch down. Hawken’s touchline conversion missed. Further clever play involving Tommy Turner and Matt Goode culminated with Ade Hales diving over in the left corner for the first of his tries after eight minutes. Two penalty goals from Blaydon’s fly half Richard Windle kept the visitors in touch.

From a ruck in front of the Blaydon posts the ball was moved blind side and Ade Hales outpaced several defenders to score his second try with Hawken converting. Following a quick tap from Toby Handley, supported by Tommy Turner who slipped the ball inside to him, Hales completed his hat-trick with a try under the posts. Hawken’s conversion took the score to 27-9, but at this point skipper Matt Davies retired injured to be replaced by Sam Overton. As half time approached, the Lions conceded a soft try. A Blaydon line out on Rugby’s five-metre line was tapped down to no one but Blaydon's No.8 Paul Brady ran though to score. The interval score of 27-14 was a good beginning.

With the four try bonus point already secured Rugby’s backs began to demonstrate their quality with some sparkling interplay and one of these passages of play involving all the backs produced Hales' fourth try, the best of the game. A minute later the relaxing Lions conceded a second soft try when replacement scrum half Gavin Charlton was able to cross over unopposed from a close-in ruck.

After 68 minutes the Lions scored another superb try from their own 22 when more intricate work involving Turner, Wareing and Sam Viggers freed Handley to race away and dive over under the posts. Hawken converted to make the game safe at 42-24.Blaydon scored a third try in the last minute when right wing Simon Barber went over and Richard Windle, converting from the touchline, took his points total to 16

This was one of best displays by a Lions side for a long time against a team who just missed out on promotion last season and it was a joy to watch. Ade Hales four try tally was a Rugby FC record for league games, beating Chris Howard’s three scored against Vale of Lune on 10^Th September 1988: Howard’s tally had been equalled by Eddie Saunders on several occasions.

The match-day programme failed to appear due to the printer’s mix-up with dates.

Supporters Man of the match: Wilf Barclay

Rugby: James Hawken; Dominic Wareing, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Ade Hales (Andy Regan); Tommy Turner, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury (Kelvin Todd), Matt Davies (C) (Sam Overton), Jamie Tyers, Neil Underhill, James Wadey (Nick Sharpe), Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Paul Thompson

Blaydon: Michael Jackson; Simon Barber, Martin Shaw, Nicholas Gandy (Gavin Charlton) Andrew Fenby; Richard Windle, James Kyle; Paul Winter, Matt Hall, Justin Clarke (Michael Thompson), James Houghton, Dave Guthrie (C), Duncan brown, Andrew Wright, Paul Brady (Peter Altona). Sub n/u Charles Roe.

Referee: Kevin White

Cleckheaton 53 1 Orrell 28 1

Darlington MP 28 Fylde 13

Hull Ionians 13 1 Macclesfield 19

Preston Grasshoppers 24 Morley 12

Tynedale 25 Darlington 13

West Park 55 1 Leicester Lions 20

Rugby were now in third place behind Preston and Macclesfield. After four games, newly promoted Bristol were unbeaten and surprise leaders of the Guinness Premiership: Worcester had lost all four of their games and were in bottom place. Plymouth Albion headed up National 1 and Launceston were top of National 2, both had won all four games. Sedgley Park and Barking, both with no wins, were at the bottom of National 1 and 2 respectively. Also with four out of four wins, Lydney led National 3 South with Rosslyn Park in last place.

The Lions were back on the road for the last game in September, yet again up the M6 but only as far as Blackpool or thereabouts. The Lions have rarely prospered at Fylde and on this occasion it was a festive day for Fylde, as they officially opened their impressive new clubhouse.

The side selected was little changed from that which had played so well against Blaydon. The changes were that James Wadey moved to the bench to accommodate the return of a fully fit Karl Braband and Kelvin Todd took mover from the absent ‘Grass’. Tristan Wati replaced Kelvin Todd on the bench.

Fylde started the game well, but Rugby seemed mesmerised: it was as if they were still on the bus. Fylde scored two tries in the first ten minutes with one converted to give them a 12-0 lead. The game became error strewn, a scrappy encounter with no pattern to it.

Fylde soon noticed that the referee was not very sharp with offside at the breakdowns and they exploited this to the limit, sometimes coming in from behind the back feet, but on the Lions side and still getting away with it. The Lions forwards were also out-muscled in the loose and their scrummaging was decidedly creaky on what was a good surface.

James Hawken reduced Fylde’s lead with a penalty then, just before half time, Rugby almost scored again when Paul Thompson intercepted a loose pass on his 22. Though he looked likely to go all the way, he was caught ten metres short of the line where he off-loaded to Ade Hales who was on his shoulder. Ade looked certain to score but when tackled a metre short he lost the ball went forward. Lions then had a scrum in the shadow of Fylde’s posts but Tommy Turner’s attempted drop goal was charged down. Half time arrived with the score 12-3 in the host’s favour

Lions began the second half much more purposefully with Matt Goode leading the way as he chipped ahead but was just beaten to the touchdown. Rugby then turned the screw on Fylde and were camped on the home goal line for some time. Repeated solid defence drove off the Lions’ attacks, sometimes just short of the line. A good Lions drive was stopped when a Fylde player blatantly killed the ball five metres out. Amazingly, although the referee penalised him, he didn’t even reprimand the offender. Rugby put the ball in touch to gain ground. From a ruck by the Fylde try line Toby Handley fed the ball to Tommy Turner who was hit with a shoulder charge from a defender who was way offside but the referee again failed to use his yellow card. This time Hawks kicked the penalty goal, but it was scant reward for the team’s efforts.

Rugby were then trapped in their 22 by some clever kicking that utilised the minimal wind. With four minutes plus "injury" time remaining, Matt Goode’s clearance kick was fielded by the Fylde fullback who skilfully ‘chipped’ the advancing defenders and flipped the ball to his left for winger, Stuart Blackburn to score near the posts. The kick was converted to make the score 19-6.

Lions again applied pressure, but time was fast running out. From another penalty conceded in front of their posts, Fylde were mounting a desperate defence. Handley took a quick tap feeding Barclay who handed off two players before slipping the ball out the back of his hand to Hales who had appeared on the right wing. Ade pirouetted out of the tackle to score in the corner. The conversion had to be kicked to secure the losing bonus point and Hawks placed it superbly. The final whistle followed immediately and Fylde had a 19-13 victory to go with their new clubhouse.

Like their first away fixture at West Park, this was another win that got away. On this occasion Rugby had never been in the lead, but they had fallen from the grace of the previous Saturday’s performance.

Fylde: Richard Kenyon (Martin Wallwork); Daniel Fluker, David Cunliffe, Paul Reeves, Stuart Blackburn; John Armstrong, Paul Newton (C), Sam Simpson, Alex Moffatt (Alan Holmes), Darren Clark (Chris Lowden), Nick King, Roger Banks (Sam Beaumont), Dylan O’Grady, Dan Bowman, Dave Muckalt.

Rugby: James Hawken; Ade Hales, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley, Kelvin Todd (Tristan Wati ), Matt Davies (C), Jamie Tyers (Sam Overton), Neil Underhill (James Wadey), Karl Braband, Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Paul Thompson. Sub n/u Andy Regan.

Referee: Michael Reid

Supporters Man of the match: Wilf Barclay

This lost game dropped Rugby into fourth place in the league table.

With four weeks to go to the first of the autumn internationals the sporting press was indulging itself in examining the beleaguered Andy Robinson’s options on the selection front, often illustrated by the England coach’s grim visage.

Blaydon 45 1 West Park 14

Darlington 23 Darlington MP 8

Leicester Lions 22 1 Cleckheaton 28

Macclesfield 20 Preston Grasshoppers 30

Morley 30 Tynedale 12

Orrell 17 Hull Ionians 26 1

Back home again for the first game in October, though the match-day programme re-appeared, it was still dated in September! Having now lost both of their away games the feeling of confidence among supporters was under threat and they were looking for another Blaydon-like epic with the visit of their north eastern neighbours, Darlington.

There were three changes in the pack from the team that played at Fylde: Phil Greenbury replaced Todd, Tristan Wati replaced Tyers and James Wadey replaced Underhill. Tim Douglas was originally nominated as bench back but it was found that the RFU had missed his name off the latest registration sheet so, to avoid any post-match disputes, Andy Regan replaced him.

The warm settled weather was back again, but the early exchanges were decidedly stormy with several minor off the ball confrontations. James Hawken opened the scoring with a penalty after Paul Thompson was yanked back by his shirt just as he was about to take a pass from Ade Hales. Tommy Turner then intercepted a loose Darlington pass on halfway to dash over unopposed. Hawks converted for a 10-0 lead after only ten minutes. Darlington quickly replied with a close range try scored by prop Joe Ostleton, converted by fly half Charles Rayner.

Coming out of defence, James Hawken took the ball just outside his 22-metre line and, handing off two tacklers, fed Dominic Wareing on half way. Dom outpaced his ‘oppo’ as he motored down the clubhouse line to score. Hawks’ conversion just missed.

The visitors were committing a stream of penalties offences with punches being thrown but the referee seemed very reluctant to use his yellow card,. The speedy Hales crossed the Darlington line but was held up, however the referee was playing an offside advantage and awarded the penalty. Darlington’s Francis Coulson was the fall-guy sin-binned for his team’s earlier offences.

Wilf Barclay put in a hard but fair tackle on the visitor’s scrum half David Andrew as he kicked to touch. Andrew reacted and a minor scuffle took place. Bizarrely Wilf was shown the yellow card, presumably to even things up.

Lions refused to react to Darlington intimidation but continued to try to play rugby and after a typical storming run by flanker Nash, Toby Handley drew the defending winger to give Matt Goode a ‘walk-in’ try, Rugby’s third that. Hawken converted to sew up the first half with Lions leading 22-7.

James Hawken struck an early second half penalty to keep up the Lions momentum. Another lovely break by Toby Handley freed Matt Goode down the left. Ade Hales switched inside, and after drawing the full back, Matt timed the pass perfectly to allow Hales to score easily. This fourth try secured the valuable bonus point. Hawken added the conversion.

A determined drive by the Lions was held up when Richard Snowball killed the ball from an offside position and he was sent to melt in the sin-bin. Hawken kicked the simple penalty from in front of the posts.

Lions were now in total command and it was only a matter of how many points they could score. The visitor’s one and only tactic seemed to be the rolling maul, boring when overused and ineffective as well on this occasion. Ade Hales came into the line from deep to free Dominic Wareing down the right hand touchline. He crossed the try line but a Darlington hand under the ball prevented the score.

Andy Regan replaced Toby Handley, with Sam Viggers switching to the scrum half role. A perfect long pass from Tommy Turner found Ade Hales again coming from deep on the opposite flank, and this time his try was not to be denied. The touchline conversion went astray.

Nick Sharpe had replaced Paul Thompson when the pack created the next score. A determined charge from Karl Braband gave Alex Nash the opportunity to cross the line and touch down by the uprights.

Another deft pass from Tommy Turner enabled Wareing to take the ball at full tilt and slice through the defence, but he was denied the certain try by a last gasp tackle. From the resulting ruck, Tristan Wati also took the ball at pace and smashed his way though one tackle before slipping the ball to James Wadey. A try under the posts provided an easy conversion for James Hawken. The local supporters had enjoyed seeing seven home tries scored with the final score of 54-7

After this splendid win, and as the list of home wins extended, the term ‘fortress Webb Ellis Road’ began being applied to the Lions ground.

Supporters Man of the match: Dominic Wareing

Rugby: James Hawken; Ade Hales, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley (Andy Regan), Phil Greenbury, Matt

Davies (C) (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Karl Braband, Wilf Barclay (Nick Sharpe), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson. Sub n/u Jamie Tyers

Darlington: Lee Davis; Francis Coulson, Craig Lee, Lee Richardson, Simon Crozier: Charles Raynor, David Andrew (Dan Earl); Dan Miller (Joe Ostleton), Joe Ostleton (Paul Shepherd), Dan Ostleton (Francis Forrest), Richard Snowball, Stuart Palmer, Michael Taylor (Alan Brown), Phil Dawson, Matt Holmes.

Referee: Darren Gamage

Blaydon 36 1 Leicester Lions 15

Darlington MP 38 1 Morley 13

Hull Ionians 10 Cleckheaton 5 1

Preston Grasshoppers 48 1 Orrell 18

Tynedale 23 1 Macclesfield 20 1

West Park 18 Fylde 30 1

The win against Darlington returned Rugby to third place in the table. It was back on the road the next Saturday to visit Morley who, like Rugby, had been promoted and had made a good start to their season; they were occupying fourth place after six games. A first away win at Morley’s Scatcherd Road ground would raise the Lions confidence another notch.

The only missing face from the team of the previous week was that of the unavailable Paul Thompson who was replaced by Nick Sharpe. He in turn was replaced on the bench by Danny Facer. Matt Goode passed a late fitness test on a calf injury to take his place in the starting line-up.

Morley were first to score when Glenn Boyd converted a penalty for offside as early as the second minute. Lions replied in style soon after when Matt Goode, given the ball on half way, sprinted straight down the middle of the pitch through some transparent tackling to score a try by the posts. James Hawken converted for a 7-3 lead. From a midfield scrum, scrum half Handley fed Hawks who handed off two would be tacklers before neatly chipping the ball for the Dom Wareing to score a repeat try under Morley’s posts: Hawks again kicked the two extra points.

Morley’s pack was supposed to be their strong point, but Lions were doing well up front and were now in charge of the lineout. A bit of slipshod defence, however, let Glenn Boyd to get through untouched to bring the score to 10-14. The Lions response was not long in coming when Alex Nash used his hidden strength to push his way over after receiving Toby Handley’s neat pass.

Lions then conceded two penalties, both converted by Glenn Boyd, thus allowing Morley to remain in contention. James Hawken replied with a penalty to end the half with Rugby leading 16-24.

The second half play was ragged to begin with as both sides made handling errors. The first score of the new half would be critical and Lions were defending resolutely as they gradually increased the forward pressure and began take control, pushing Morley off their own scrum ball and winning some of their lineouts.

The result was settled just into the last quarter when Hales set off on a cross-field run on Morley’s 22. Although he would probably have scored himself he selflessly drew the full back and slipped the ball to Alex Nash who scored the try under the posts; Hawken converted. .

Morley’s spirit was more or less broken now and their pack was in retreat. The final try came deservedly from a forward drive that ended with Karl Braband claiming the score final try. Hawken then kicked his fifth conversion to take the final score to 38-16 in the Lions favour.

Supporters Man of the match the Forwards

Morley: Scott Evans: Kris Whata, Neil Murray, Carlos Hassan, Matt Callaghan (Steve Hewitson); Glenn Boyd, Scott Benton (Craig Robinson); Alan Benn, Stewart Kneale (Lance Hamilton), Mark Cahill, Matt Challinor (Leon Treco), Simon Chippendale, Ben Wade, Craig Field, David Hopton.

Rugby: James Hawken; Ade Hales, Matt Goode (Andy Regan), Sam Viggers, Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (C) (Jamie Tyers), Tristan Wati (Sam Overton), James Wadey, Karl Braband, Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Nick Sharpe (Danny Facer).

Referee: Chris Seeley

Cleckheaton 13 1 Preston Grasshoppers 20

Darlington 30 1 MP West Park 18

Fylde 15 1 Blaydon 20

Leicester Lions 21 Hull Ionians 13

Macclesfield 29 1 Darlington MP 24 1

Orrell 13 1 Tynedale 17

The win at Morley achieved two things for the Lions. It exploded the myth that they were only ‘at home’ winners and it moved them into second place in the league table behind Preston. They were back at home again for the next league encounter that brought them Macclesfield who had beaten them at Webb Ellis Road two seasons earlier.

The starting XV was the one that started the game against Morley. There were two bench changes with Neil Underhill and Tim Douglas displacing Danny Facer and Andy Regan.

The game began in bright sunshine, but a very heavy and lengthy shower not long after the kick-off frustrated the Lion’s attempts to play expansive rugby. Instead they succumbed to a boring forward battle where once again the visitor’s master stroke was the maul.

At the start things went along fairly evenly but the game warmed up when Toby Handley tried to eject a Macclesfield player coming through offside at a ruck. This resulted in a few air punches with Rugby’s Matt Davies and Macclesfield’s Robert Bienasz marched off for a spell in the sin-bin.

Macclesfield were first to use the scoreboard when centre Ross Winney kicked a penalty awarded for offside. James Hawken soon levelled the score with a penalty for Rugby. A sweet back line move sent Dom Wareing down the right hand touchline, however his inside pass a yard from touch down found Macclesfield hands and no score resulted.

Macclesfield then countered and, after a series of mauls, they ultimately scored a converted try. A perfect chip and chase by Toby Handley ended with a penalty for the Lions when the ball was not released. From the lineout that followed Tristan Wati fed Matt Davies who made for the try-line. He was held a metre short but the ball was blatantly lifted out of the Lion’s ruck by Jeremy Bostock who was shown the yellow card. Lions opted for a scrum in front of the posts but lost the initiative when the ball was knocked on. Macclesfield’s clearance kick from the scrum failed to find touch however, and Hawks ran the ball back almost to the visitor’s 22. The ball was then spun wide with Ade Hales coming in to the line in familiar fashion to combine with Matt Goode who fed Dominic Wareing on the right hand touchline. Dom is not only fast but also very strong and he easily brushed aside two defenders to score in front of the clubhouse. James Hawken converted superbly to level the score at 10-10.

Macclesfield had the last word in the first half when Ross Winney kicked a penalty in the ninth minute of injury time. This gave the visitors a 10-13 half time lead. Fortress Webb Ellis Road was under siege.

Lions began the second half well with both Wareing and Goode making strong runs to take play as far as the visitor’s try line. Rugby employed the maul technique to drive Tristan Wati over for a try as early as the second minute but the conversion went begging. With their very slight wind advantage, Lions began to dominate territory albeit the play was scrappy with the wet ball causing numerous errors.

Neill Underhill came on for Nick Sharpe with James Wadey retreating to No.8. The yellow card was then shown to Wilf Barclay for handling in a ruck although the ball was clearly well off the ground. Macclesfield ultimately lost the ball, and Toby Handley sent Ade Hales clear down the left and, after he had outstripped his opposite number, a try looked inevitable. The visitor’s fullback David Jones had other ideas and somehow got across to bundle Ade into touch just short of the line.

Macclesfield were struggling to get out of their own half at this point and James Hawken kicked a penalty to make the score 18-13. Toby Handley then sustained a bad cut to his head and was replaced by Tim Douglas with Sam Viggars moving to scrumhalf. Tim’s first run was halted by a high tackle and with the referee appearing to indicate a penalty; Tommy Turner went for a drop goal knowing that a kick in front of the posts would follow should he miss. Surprisingly the referee’s decision was a 22 metre drop-out.

Rugby continued to play out the remaining time in the visitor’s half for a well deserved victory. With the news that they had surprisingly lost at home to Hull, Rugby, still in second place, narrowed the gap on league leaders Preston.

Supporters Man of the match: Karl Braband

Rugby: James Hawken; Ade Hales, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley (Tim Douglas), Phil Greenbury, Matt

Davies (C) (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Karl Braband, Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Nick Sharpe (Neil Underhill). Sub n/u Jamie Tyers

Macclesfield: David Jones; James Watts, Charles Winney, Paul Bartle (Giles Heagerty), Tom Rayner: Philip Macey, Guy Mason; Scott Goodfellow, Pete Allen, Robert Bieniasz (Ben Latham), Timothy Kerr, Jeremy Bostock, Adam Mursall, Richard Jones, Oliver Hewitt.

Referee: Keith Lewis

Blaydon 36 1 Darlington 20 1

Darlington MP 73 1 Orrell 29

Fylde 30 1 Leicester Lions 6

Preston Grasshoppers 20 1 Hull Ionians 24

Tynedale 53 1 Cleckheaton 12

West Park 31 1 Morley 12

With eight games played, Earth Titans (aka Rotherham headed up National 1 and Esher were top of National 2; Esher had won all eight games. Sedgley Park and Barking were at the bottom of National 1 and 2 respectively; Barking had one win. Also with four out of four wins, Westcombe Park led National 3 South with Rosslyn Park in last place.

The draw for the EDF Energy National Cup Round 1 north had presented Rugby with a home tie against Dudley Kingswinford so the supporters had a rare opportunity of two successive home games. As expected the selected Lions team pulled in a few players who had yet to appear with the 1^st XV this season, but who had impressed with the Crusaders. There was more scope for variety provided by the requirement of seven players on the bench. Glenn Bond, Michael Rust and Chris Murphy started with Adam Bowser, Ian Mapp, Lloyd Saunders, Dave Clements and David Pritchard on the bench.

Michael Rust scored his debut 1^st XV try in the ninth minute touching down following a quick tap from Sam Viggars. Glenn Bond, last season’s top scorer, making his first appearance of the season surprisingly scuffed the conversion attempt. Try number two arrived when a sliced chip from fly half Glackin, close to Rugby’s 22, was taken by Chris Murphy who swung inside and headed for the try line.

As the cover came across he combined with Dom Wareing to score a lovely try under the posts; Bond’s conversion was good. Wareing’s first outing as a centre demonstrated his technical range, as he had an excellent game.. Lions scored again almost immediately as Michael Rust joined a sweeping backs move down the left to interchange with Murphy for another lovely try in the corner. Glenn Bond pushed this conversion wide of the posts.

The support play from the Lions was superb with the player in possession always having options on both sides. Following a ruck in front of the visitor’s posts, a perfectly timed pass from Glackin put Murphy though for a simple try. In injury time, Wareing took the ball at great pace to slice through the defence and send Bond over for a try, that he also converted, for a half time score of Rugby Lions 29 Dudley Kingswinford 0.

Lions made a perfect start to the second half with a length of the field try when Glackin and Tim Douglas combined to send Wareing away. He cut inside and reached the 22 before passing to Paul Thompson who, drawing the last defender slipped the ball to Murphy to give him his third try of the afternoon. Glenn Bond converted from in front of the posts to make the score 36-0. Dudley retaliated through their impressive number eight, Layton Wilkinson who, following a close-in scrum, scored a try converted by fly half Ben Rimene.

Alex Nash then took the ball out of a ruck on Rugby’s 22 and charged off. He combined with Sam Viggars and Danny Facer who cleverly back-flipped the ball to Paul Thompson just inside the DK 22. As he was tackled, Alex Nash appeared at his shoulder to take the pass and score the try. Glenn Bond once again failed to kick the conversion. However, he then sent Dave Clements free down the right wing but, with the try line beckoning, play was bought back for a supposed forward pass.

DK reduced the deficit again with an unconverted try after a successful rolling maul, but Lions had the last word when Murphy claimed try number four after a storming run from Danny Facer and brilliant dexterity from Tim Douglas who gave him the ball. At the final whistle the score was Rugby 46 Dudley Kingswinford 12

Supporters Man of the match Chris Murphy and Dominic Wareing

Rugby: Glenn Bond; Mike Rust (Dave Clements), Dominic Wareing (Tommy Turner), Tim Douglas, Chris Murphy; Peter Glackin, Sam Viggers (David Pritchard); Jamie Tyers, Sam Overton, Tristan Wati (Adam Bowser), Paul Thompson (C), Karl Braband (Ian Mapp), Danny Facer, Alex Nash (Lloyd Saunders), Nick Sharpe (Neil Underhill). Sub n/u Phil Greenbury.

Dudley KIngswinford: Andy McLellan; Warren Port, Gareth Davies (Tom Weaver), Alan Mitchell, Tui Asi Pito: Ben Rimene, Kirk Munro; Dan Chesham (Andy McEwan), Chris Condliffe, Dan Shakespeare, Neil Shillingford, Shaun Griffiths, Ian Langford, Richard Port (Peter Knight), Layton Wilkinson. Sub n/u Neil Chivers, Russ Gauden, Ben Connett, Ian Gowland.

Referee: Chris Johnson

As the season turned into its third month Rugby returned to the road again for the Guy Fawkes weekend. This time it was back to the North West, to Orrell where the Lions had never previously won a game. Since Orrell had been abandoned by its owner the club had been in league freefall and up until this point their downward plunge appeared to be ongoing. They had not won a game and had suffered a deduction of six points for fielding unregistered players. With bonus points taken into account they had -3 points.

With their backs to a strong wind, Lions started impressively and had the four try bonus point in their pocket just into the second quarter. The scoring began In the second minute when Dom Wareing forced his way over aided by James Hawken who also converted the try. Lions were totally dominant at this point and a lovely Hawks run ended with a simple try for Ade Hales, also converted by Hawks. Matt Goode then touched down but was penalised for a double movement.

Tommy Turner sent off Wareing who in turn fed Hawks for another easy try. The Lions seemed to be in complete command of the field and seemed to be able to score at will. The try bonus point was secured when Dom Wareing collected a clever chip from Tommy Turner to touch down in the right hand corner.

After a series of ground gathering driving runs by the forwards, Tommy Turner delivered a beautifully weighted long pass to Hales who had come in from his wing. Ade drew the defender and slipped the ball to James Hawken who in turn fed Dom Wareing for his third try. Hawks converted it to bring the score to Orrell 0 Rugby 31 at half time

With a large lead and an apparently demoralised opponent, the small band of Lions supporters was anticipating more Rugby tries in the second half.

Orrell’s half time talk must have been pretty colourful as they now started to play with pride and commitment. This combined with the fact that the game was already done and dusted in Rugby’s view, resulted in Orrell dominating this half of the game with play almost entirely located in the visitors’ half.

At one point a lovely run from Ade Hales was stopped just short of the line and the move was snuffed out. The Lion’s play had deteriorated in the face of Orrell’s new vitality and basic errors were made with turnovers often being conceded.

Orrell finally got on the scoreboard after a close in drive that produced a converted try. This released the sound of distant drums that echoed round the stadium as the home supporters made their presence known. Orrell continued to pin the Lions down and it was no surprise when their diminutive fly half dummied to no one in particular and strolled through the wilted defence to score under the posts, reducing the deficit to 14-31.

.Lions did have the last word, however, scoring from their 22 with the industrious James Hawken again in the thick of things. He began the move and, following strong runs from both Wareing and Hales, he collected the return pass. He then drew the fullback before giving the scoring pass for Tommy Turner to score the last try. The conversion attempt into the strong breeze just missed leaving the final score at 14-36.

Supporters Man of the match James Hawken

Orrell: Chris Brand; Makaka Siyabonga, Theo Rhodes, Adam Glover, Martin Gambles; Craig Diggle, Ryan Walsh; Peter Sprung (Lewis Brown), Paul Millea, Derek Salisbury, Jonathon Attia (Jimmy Baloyi), James Lowrey, Ramey Shaio, Daniel Higham, Gareth Lodge. Subs n/u Andrew Wigglesworth, Daniel Ligon-Badham.

Rugby: James Hawken; Ade Hales, Matt Goode (Chris Murphy), Sam Viggers, Dominic Wareing; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (C), Tristan Wati (Sam Overton), James Wadey, Karl Braband, Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Nick Sharpe (Paul Thompson). Sub n/u Jamie Tyers.

Referee: Chris Seeley

Cleckheaton 25 Darlington MP 11

Darlington 15 1 Fylde 18

Hull Ionians 6 Tynedale 35 1

Leicester Lions 13 Preston Grasshoppers 9 1

Macclesfield 30 1 West Park 18

Morley 29 2 Blaydon 32 1

Rugby Lions recorded their second away win of the season at Orrell, and with Preston losing at Leicester Lions they moved into the top place. The performance in the second half however was far from convincing with Orrell outscoring Lions by 14-5

The next home game brought the Lions their first Yorkshire visitors. Cleckheaton had been beaten on the day of their first trip to Rugby two seasons earlier but they had gained their revenge at home. Their Director of Coaching was still dual international and former player, John Bentley who today put himself on their bench.

Lion’s influential captain Matt Davies was forced to leave the field early on with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Sam Overton. The main tactic employed by both teams was the pick and drive with Tristan Wati to the fore for the home team, but when Lion’s backs did have the ball they unusually lacked a cutting edge, not helped by a series of knock-ons and some determined defence from the visitors.

As the first half progressed, Rugby started to get on top despite the early loss of their hooker. Strong runs from Toby Handley and Paul Thompson produced a ruck 15 metres from the visitor’s line. Toby Handley picked up and passed to James Hawken on the left wing who ran in and dived over the line. Unfortunately Hawks was forced to put a foot in touch by a tackler so the try was disallowed.

A strong drive by the home pack was brought to a stop when the visitors pulled it down, This went unpunished but the ball was recycled, and when Dominic Wareing received the it on the 22, he showed his strength by staying on his feet and driving to within 5 metres of the try line, taking three defenders with him. Lion’s pack then drove over the line but the score was denied when the referee decided that the ball was not grounded. Half time was reached with no score for either side.

Starting the second half, Rugby replaced James Wadey with Wilf Barclay thus allowing Paul Thompson to revert to second row. They maintained the momentum straight from the kick off with a strong run from Wareing. Alex Nash then took the ball on, and Tristan Wati got as far as the visitor’s 22 before the ball was lost forward in the tackle.

At this stage Rugby were dominating and Peter Glackin at last got points on the scoreboard with a drop goal from 30 metres that just limped over the crossbar. A lovely delayed pass from Glackin sent Matt Goode down the center of the pitch. He chipped the ball ahead and Wareing pounced on it to set up the ruck. The ball was swung left via Sam Viggers to Ade Hales, and for the first time in the match the tackle was poor, allowing Hales to scamper over for the try. Hawken’s conversion attempt hit the post.

Cleckheaton came back strongly and although they were unable penetrate the Lion’s 22, they reduced the deficit with two penalties kicked by fly half Quinn. Lions then drove Toby Handley over the try line but again the referee decided the ball was held off the ground. The visitors were under severe pressure at this point and when the pack drove over the try line again the try looked certain as the ball was definitely grounded. The referee was not convinced and, to the amazement of the Lion’s players, he awarded a 5-metre scrum.

Although Rugby were dominant, they only had a two-point lead, and the home supporters were feeling a little vulnerable. Matt Goode tried to ease their worries with a dropped goal attempt that went just under the crossbar. More pressure on the visitor’s try line continued and an offside offence gave Hawken the chance of the three points which he took, and the offender Salama was shown a yellow card. The game ended with a Lions win by 11-6.

Rugby were distinctly unlucky to have three tries disallowed for ‘not grounding’ and the scoreline consequently flattered the visitors.

Supporters Man of the Match     Tristan Wati

Rugby: James Hawken; Dominic Wareing, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Ade Hales ; Peter Glackin, Toby Handley (Tim Douglas), Phil Greenbury, Matt

Davies (C) (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, James Wadey (Wilf Barclay), Karl Braband, Nick Sharpe, Alex Nash, Paul Thompson. Subs n/u Jamie Tyers, Chris Murphy.

Cleckheaton: Ryan Duckett; Joe South, James Rushforth, Mark Billington (Giles Heagerty), Tom Lauriston; Chris Quinn, Alex Drage; Carl Mason (John Oakes), Mark Chivers, Steve Johnson (Jim Lamptey), Oliver Hawkins, Nabbel Salama, Oliver Ackroyd, Geoff Jones, Richard Sawyer. Subs n/u John Bentley, Ryan Piercy.

Referee: Philip Davies

Blaydon 15 Macclesfield 6

Darlington 29 1 Leicester Lions 15

Darlington MP 28 1 Hull Ionians 23

Fylde 25 Morley 10

Tynedale 34 1 Preston Grasshoppers 8

West Park 37 1 Orrell 19

Rugby had been fortunate to have a home draw for the Second Round North of the EDF Energy Cup which was scheduled for the following Saturday. The visitors were Tynedale who Rugby had not yet met in the league fixtures. It would be the second time that the two clubs had fought out a cup tie as 12 years previously in 1994 Rugby had beaten them at Corbridge in a Pilkington Cup tie that had gone to extra time.

Once again, with the expanded bench collection, the Lions team included some of their supporting cast. Both Bond brothers, Ian Mapp and David Jackson benching with Dave Clements, Danny Facer, Andy Regan and Chris Murphy starting. Tynedale had also made a number of changes to their normal lineup.

Lions began well, driving the visitors back from the kick off and forcing them to play in their own half. It was not long however before the scratch home team’s failings made their presence known. Lions’ backs lost the ball on Tynedale’s 22 and it was quickly moved left by Dale who outnumbered Lion’s defenders five to two: winger Jamie Harrison ran in for a simple try, converted by Will Massey.

Though Rugby’s pack was a match for Tynedale’s their first up tackling was ineffective with the visitors getting well over the gain line. James Hawken did reduce the deficit with two well-struck penalties although these were effectively negated with two from Will Massey. After struggling for some time with a suspected hamstring injury, Wilf Barclay was replaced by Alex Nash. Good pressure from the Lions almost led to a try in the left corner but the ball was held up.

Tynedale’s blanket defence teetering on the edge of the offside line was very effective with Rugby’s backs unable to find gaps. Their support play gave the impression of an overwhelming force. After missing a two penalty attempts, James Hawken ended the first half with a successful one to reduce the deficit to a score of 9-13.

Rugby started the second half well with a couple of strong Wareing runs that led to a pick and drive sequence near the visitors posts. The referee eventually penalised Tynedale’s backs for offside and Hawken kicked the penalty from in front of the posts.

As expected, Tynedale responded and from a scrum, their impressive number eight picked up and fed the scrum half for an easy try in the right corner. Massey missed with his conversion.

The visitors continued to look the better of the two sides and on 56 minutes a break by their centre through an unpardonable gaping hole in Rugby’s defence led to a try for Will Massey again in the right corner. The conversion attempt by the try scorer was pulled wide.

Lions then made a number of changes including Tommy Turner replacing Andy Regan with Glackin switching to center and Glenn Bond coming on as fullback and Hawken moving to the wing. Dave Jackson also made a welcome first appearance of the season at scrum half and looked very lively. Rugby then produced a sustained period of pressure, throwing the ball around in an attempt to score a try but Tynedale maintained their defence well to hold them out for a deserved victory. At the finish the score was 12-23 in Tynedale’s favour.

The fact that this was the first game this season that Rugby had failed to register a try was a testament to the borderers’ unity and resolve. Together with Blaydon they were, at that time, the best team that Rugby had faced. Rugby had also lost their one hundred percent home record for the season.

Supporters Man of the match Paul Thompson

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Dave Clements, Andy Regan (Tommy Turner), Dominic Wareing, Chris Murphy (Glenn Bond); Peter Glackin (David Jackson), Sam Viggers, Sam Overton (Adam Bond), Jamie Tyers (Tristan Wati), Paul Thompson, Karl Braband, Wilf Barclay (Alex Nash), Danny Facer (Ian Mapp), Nick Sharpe...

Tynedale: Wilf Massey; Jack Harrison, Robin Holroyd, Hamish Smales, Jack Smales: Mike Woodhouse, Rupert Neville; Peter Southern, Rob Vickers (Stephen Ridley), Dan Herdman (John Fieldhouse), Ben Marshall, Tim Swinson, Rob Herdman (Andrew Ions), Grant Rastall, Alastair Murray. Sub n/u Graeme Gilchrist, Scott Breerton.

Referee: Andrew Bickle

Now that Rugby had been knocked out of the national cup competition the team would be able to concentrate on league games and attempt to maintain their number one position in the league table. The only downside would be those weekend that were set aside for cup games when there would no 1^st XV game for the supporters to watch. For the last game in November the Lions traveled north east again, but only as far as the Yorkshire coast. The home of Hull Ionians was the destination.

It was anticipated that the team selection would be aimed at full strength as the changes made a week ago had not clamoured to be repeated. This was indeed the case and Hawken, Hales, Handley and Greenbury returned with Matt Davies on the bench.

Lions made a good start and were soon in command up front in both tight and loose play. Following Toby Handley’s classic quick tap, James Hawken notched a penalty five minutes in, when Hull were penalised for not retreating. Hull’s Karl Birch soon replied to even the score after Peter Glackin was penalised for loitering (with intent?) offside despite being barged out of way by Hull’s abrasive number eight, Gary Acton.

Another tap and go from the ever sharp Handley led to Hull being penalised for laying offside at the ruck, and the penalty was cornered for a lineout. The catch was good and the resulting maul was unstoppable with Karl Braband diving over. Hawks conversion gave Lions a 10-3 lead.

The penalty count was climbing fast and the referee finally got tough by showing Hull’s Acton a yellow card for playing the ball on the ground in a ruck. With a man advantage, the tactics were simplified with the Lions again going for the catch and drive. This time it was Sam Overton who claimed the touchdown assisted by Phil Greenbury. Hawks’ conversion attempt was wide.

When Rugby’s backs did get the ball their passing was not of the highest order. With the try line begging it looked as though the pass to Matt Goode was too far in front of him. However, Matt stretched for it and with a bit of juggling managed to hold on and dive over. Hawk’s conversion attempt dropped under the bar to end the first half with Lions ahead by 3-20.

Yet another sparkling break by Toby Handley from his own half led to Peter Glackin crashing over the line for what looked like a good try. Referee and touch judge concluded however, that the ball was not grounded and, much to Glacks’ disbelief awarded a five metre scrum.

It got worse soon afterwards when Tristan Wati picked the ball out of a close in ruck to dive over. To everyone’s puzzlement the try was again disallowed with a five metre scrum awarded instead. Lion’s responded well and following good interplay between Glackin and Goode, Sam Overton sent Sam Viggers down the left wing to cross the line. This time the touch down was seen and the try awarded to secure the four try bonus point. Hawks just missed out with the conversion.

Hull then began to exert some late pressure aided by a string of penalties conceded by Rugby for serial offside. Despite some huge defensive hits principally from Matt Goode and Karl Braband, Hull crossed the line for two tries, both unconverted, to reduce the deficit to 13-25 and give the home supporters a faint glimmer of hope. Hawks then kicked a penalty to extend the Lions lead again.

Lions were not to be denied however, and the result was put beyond any doubt when Ade Hales scored a trademark try six minutes from full time. He received the ball on his wing just outside Rugby’s 22-metre line. He raced round his opposite number and turned infield where his pace left the defenders stationary, and scored to the left of the posts. Hawks converted to complete the scoring for a 13-35 victory.

Supporters Man of the Match Karl Braband

Hull Ionians: James Greene; Greg Bone, Gary Stephenson, Mike Cawthorn (C), Ben Smith; Karl Birch (Mark Wigham), Tom Boyle; James Ward, Tom Rice, Adi Longbone, Paul Spivey (Chris Harding), Mick Watson (Michael Hague) Richard Wilson, Daniel Hague, Garry Acton. Subs n/u Alan Bateson..

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Dominic Wareing, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Ade Hales ; Peter Glackin (Tommy Turner), Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Adam Bond), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Karl Braband, Nick Sharpe (Tommy Booth), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson. Sub n/u Matt Davies.

Referee: Rhys Davies

Cleckheaton 12 West Park 21

Leicester Lions 8 Tynedale 16

Macclesfield 17 Fylde 34 1

Morley P Darlington P

Orrell 6 Blaydon 42 1

Preston Grasshoppers 19 Darlington MP 19

Rugby were still top of National 3 North, ahead of Blaydon on points difference. After nine games, Bristol were still leading the Guinness Premiership: Worcester had still not won a game and were still in bottom place. Plymouth Albion headed up National 1 and Esher, having won all twelve games, were top of National 2. Waterloo and Harrogate were at the bottom of National 1 and 2 respectively. Southend led National 3 South with Clifton in last place.

While the Lions were in Hull, the Crusaders played Rosslyn Park Stags at Webb Ellis Road. The visitors were a good well-drilled team with a superior pack that they did not have to use overmuch, as their backs found plenty of gaps.

There was some very good passing out of the tackle by the visitors. The half time score was 0-31 (4 goals and a penalty goal). The second half was better for Rugby (14-19) for a final score of 14-50.

Crusaders: Glenn Bond; Ben Roberts, Andy Regan (C), Michael Rust, Dave Clements; Dylan Garner (Huw Jones), Dave Pritchard (Dave Jackson); Ollie Cowley, Danny Vento, Andy Pomeroy, Ian Mapp, Ben Everton (Rob Milner), Stuart McHarg, Lloyd Saunders, Danny Facer. Sub not used Andy McKenzie. Try Clements, Facer. Con Bond (2)

Having avoided a potential banana skin result at Hull Rugby came home with the prospect of facing Preston Grasshoppers who, not so long ago, had what seemed like an unassailable lead at the top of the table. Recently their results had improved again which was ominous. In addition, some of their better players were apparently just returning from injury. Fortunately the Lions were able to field a strong side, though Matt Davies and Wilf Barclay started on the bench.

Preston opened the scoring in the second minute with a penalty from fly half Boshoff for an unknown offence. Some very poor defence from the Lions allowed the visitors to run in two simple tries from fullback Viney and centre Barnett so Preston were soon 0-18 in front of a Rugby team that found itself trapped in the Hoppers’ net.

As half time approached the Lions at last exerted some real pressure and when Preston killed the ball five metres from the try line, they won a penalty. The kick to touch was taken and the forwards drove over the line, but the ball was deemed to be held up and a scrum was awarded. The ball was picked up from the base of the scrum and the pack drove over once more. This time the try was awarded with Karl Braband getting the touchdown James Hawken converted to give Lions a glimmer of hope. At half time Rugby trailed 7-18.

In order to increase the pressure on Hoppers, Matt Davies replaced Sam Overton and Wilf Barclay came on for Nick Sharpe at half time. The Lions came out in the second half like a released coiled spring and they soon reduced the points arrears with Matt Davies scoring after a series of sniping runs from the backs. Matt Goode then charged down a clearance kick and headed for the line. As he was tackled he threw the ball out to the unmarked Ade Hales. The pass reached Ade at head height and, failing to grasp it he knocked on five metres from the try line.

The home pack kept up the pressure and with the referee playing an advantage after Preston pulled down a maul; the ball was moved down the line reaching Dominic Wareing. He crossed in the corner to put Lions into the lead at 19-18 after 51 minutes. Unfortunately the touchline conversion was missed. It was one-way traffic at this stage and it looked as though Rugby might sneak a win. Preston had other ideas, however and, for the first time in the half, they began to get some possession.

After a series of phases there were two crucial refereeing decisions, which put Preston, back in charge of the game. Lions were penalised at a ruck, though the crowd were convinced that the ball had not been released by the visitors. With advantage being played for a long time, Preston eventually lost the ball and the referee went back for the original penalty. Instead of going to where the offence was committed, he gave the kick on the Lion’s 22-metre line, at least twenty metres further forward. This enabled a simple kick to touch to give the visitor’s lineout, five metres out. The throw-in was suspiciously crooked but play was allowed to carry on and Crous claimed the touchdown.

Soon after this the hard working Karl Braband had to leave the field with a knee injury to be replaced by Tommy Turner and Rugby’s chances of the win seemed to have gone, although the deficit was reduced with a penalty from Hawken, when Preston were finally penalised for offside. The restart was knocked on by the Lions and Hoppers eventually got the ball wide to wing Flynn who barged his way through two tackles to score in the corner. The conversion was missed to leave the score at 22-28 with 77 minutes on the clock, but with a lot injury time remaining.

The lead was increased shortly after when Rugby, ironically, were penalised for offside in front of the posts. The Lions had the last action in the game, at least salvaging both bonus points when Ade Hales crossed over in the left corner for an unconverted try.

Supporters Man of the match Karl Braband

Rugby Lions had, somewhat surprisingly, lost their unbeaten home league record to a very solid Preston Grasshoppers side largely by virtue of a disastrous start putting them in an endless game of catch-up.

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Dominic Wareing, Matt Goode (Tommy Turner), Sam Viggers, Ade Hales ; Peter Glackin, Toby Handley (Tim Douglas), Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Matt Davies), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Karl Braband (Tommy Turner), Nick Sharpe (Wilf Barclay), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson (Tommy Booth).

Preston Grasshoppers: Oliver Viney; Russell Flynn, Andrew Barnett, Cameron Berry, Owen McKenna; Gerhard Boshoff (Mark Murray), Darren Wilson; Mark Hanson, Ritchie Sands, Toby Foster (C), Wayne Steel, Craig Steel, Juan Kraus, Andrew Dockray, Richard Morton (Philip Deakin). Subs n/u David Chadwick, Oliver Moore..

Referee: Chris Seeley

Blaydon 24 1 Cleckheaton 3

Darlington 16 Macclesfield 15 1

Darlington MP 37 1 Tynedale 29 1

Fylde 45 1 Orrell 13

Morley 16 Leicester Lions 14 1

West Park 23 2 Hull Ionians 27 1

The next Saturday was a designated EDF Energy Cup day. Rugby now had no further interest in that competition, so it was fortunate that it happened to be the weekend when the 200^th anniversary of the birth of William Webb Ellis was celebrated. The town received a visit from the rugby club in the French Mediterranean coastal resort of Menton. The Menton Webb Ellis club was formed in the early 1970s around the time of the centenary of the death, in Menton, of Rev William Webb Ellis, the man who is credited with ‘running with the ball.’

Two matches were played on Rugby School Close’s hallowed turf of Bigside. On the Friday afternoon the Menton Cadets played the School XV and suffered a heavy defeat, going down 67-0. A Rugby Lions team took on the Menton senior side on the Saturday afternoon and dealt out a similar dose of punishment, winning 81-13. IT was a chill afternoon but there were enough spectators to line the pristine rope barrier behind the touchline. It was probably the first time that all of the Lions had played there.

In the evening invited guests joined the Menton party in a reception held in the Rugby Lions clubhouse at Webb Ellis Road.

During the following week the RFU announced that former Rugby Lion, Mark Mapletoft had been appointed as a National Academy backs coach with specialist responsibility for fly halves and centres, added to which he would assist Jon Callard with kicking coaching.

The next fixture for Rugby demanded another of those epic journeys to the north east, in fact nearly to the Scottish border. Corbridge was the destination and Tynedale the opposition. Tim Douglas replaced the injure Matt Goode and Paul Thompson moved into the second row to replace Braband with Tommy Booth coming in at No.8. Mike Rust filled in for Hales who could not travel on Friday.

.Starting from a successful line out near the Tynedale line, Rugby’s pack drove their hosts back and from the resulting ruck, prop, Tristan Wati drove over for a try, later converted by James Hawken. Just four minutes after that, Dale back row Alistair Murray, a constant irritant for the Lions side, along with his other two colleagues equalised for the Tynedale. with Phil Belgian kicking the conversion. About ten minutes into the second quarter, Hawken’s penalty returned the lead to Rugby, which they held at 7-10 into half time.

Rugby had recovered well after a very poor start, and were looking dangerous, now they had the ball in their hands while retaining possession. Nonetheless errors still occurred with fatal consequences as the game went progressed. As Tynedale got back into the game Rugby’s weaknesses were gradually revealed. When Barclay found himself in the sin bin again. Phil Belgian kicked them back in front with two penalties in the 50th and 57th minute.

The increasing dominance of Dale’s back row registered when a No.8 pick up and inter-passing made ground in the direction of Rugby’s line. From a speedily won ruck and simple passing, right wing Ben Duncan scored, with Belgian yet again making a perfect conversion. Not long after that Rugby exchanged Glackin for Turner, but the new half backs pairing was pressurised into giving away possession at a defensive scrum. Dale’s left wing Hamish Smales profited from the lapse by scoring a converted try in the corner. Seconds later, Turner managed to get himself sin binned for stamping on an opponent at a ruck, thereby putting his team under further pressure.

Notwithstanding, the Lions still came back, pummelling away at Tynedale until, after a quickly taken free kick, a fine try was scored by scrum half replacement Jackson. Hawks converted, moving the score to 27:17 with 8 minutes plus injury time to go. However, Rugby’s last hopes were dashed when, following a period of prolonged pressure, the ball went loose in Tynedale’s 22 metre area and winger Smales, scooped it up to sprint the 80 metres to dive over for the home side’s fourth, and bonus point try. The final score of 34-19 did not truly reflect the closeness of the game.

The Lions had slipped back again in the promotion stakes but, on a positive note, officials at Tynedale were praising Rugby as being the best side they had seen at Corbridge up to that point in the current season.

Tynedale: Will Massey; Hamish Smales, Jack Harrison (Robin Holroyd), Phil Belgian (C), Ben Duncan; Mike Woodhouse, Ross Samson; Pete Southern, Aaron Charlton, Douglas Jupp (Dan Herdman), Graeme Smith, Paul Scott (Matthew Fieldhouse), Alistair Murray, Grant Rastall (Graeme McGilchrist), Andrew Murray.

Rugby: James Hawken; Dominic Wareing, Tim Douglas, Sam Viggers, Mike Rust ; Peter Glackin (Tommy Turner), Toby Handley (David Jackson), Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (C), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Paul Thompson, , Alex Nash, Tommy Booth (Nick Sharpe). Sub n/u Sam Overton

Referee: Andrew Vertigan

Cleckheaton 15 Fylde 38 1

Hull Ionians 3 Blaydon 13

Leicester Lions 16 Darlington MP 10 1

Macclesfield 27 1 Morley 13

Orrell 29 2 Darlington 30 1

Preston Grasshoppers 24 West Park 19 1

The last league game to be played before Christmas was away to Leicester Lions at Blaby on 23rd December. It was the only away game within a reasonable travelling distance from Rugby and as a consequence there was a very good turnout of Lions supporters.

Due to illness and unavailability there were a number of changes in the team. James Hawken moved to fly half to partner Dave Jackson so Glenn Bond took over at fullback. Mike Rust came in for Wareing who moved to centre to replace the injured Matt Goode. Paul Thompson continued to fill the gap in the second row and Tommy Booth stayed in the back row. Sam Overton replaced the ‘stricken’ Matt Davies and played out the full 80 minutes.

It was a dull drear day with a leaden sky, cold but not icy consequently the field surfaces were very sticky. No lights, no scoreboard and no announcer.

Rugby began strongly and pressured the home try line from the word go. They ran the ball following a penalty for offside in front of the posts and Ade Hales all but sent Tim Douglas in for a try but the ball was lost forward. An advantage was being played for another offside, however, and this time James Hawken kicked the penalty for an early lead.

Leicester responded strongly and levelled the score with another penalty from their fly half Billy Twelvetrees. Their strength was very pack orientated and Rugby’s cause was not helped when lock James Wadey was stamped on in a ruck and had to leave the field with concussion. Back row player Nick Sharpe came on to replace him.

Leicester’s ten man game plan was beginning to exert severe pressure on Rugby’s defence but they managed to hold firm. When Rugby did get into the Leicester’s half, Michael Rust was sent flying down the right hand touchline to dive over the line. His joy was short lived however when he looked up to see the touch judge indicating a foot on the line.

The remainder of the first half was more in the Lions favour with some strong runs from Wilf Barclay, Tristan Wati and Alex Nash. A further penalty from each side brought the score at half time to 6-6.

Toby Handley replaced Dave Jackson soon after the break and won a penalty at the base of Leicester’s scrum, which James Hawken converted for a 9-6 lead. Lion’s old hand Paul Thomson was having an excellent game ion the second row and was putting pressure on Leicester’s line-out as well as winning most of his own if not always cleanly.

Two yellow cards awarded in quick succession to Sam Overton and temporary replacement Adam Bond, gave the home side an advantage. From the first offence the penalty was converted to tie the scores at 9-9, and following the second, the drive from Leicester’s pack, from a lineout was unstoppable with Tom Evans claiming the try. The conversion was expertly converted by replacement fly half Tony Lintern to give the home side a 16-9 lead.

Despite being two men short, Rugby were beginning to gain control of the game and a lovely long pass by Hawks to Wareing, allowed Ade Hales a bit of space on the left just inside Leicester’s half. It looked as if Ade would not reach the line, but somehow he shot past everyone to touch down near the posts, allowing Hawks to tie the scores with the conversion.

Shortly after, with Leicester now receiving two yellow cards, James Hawken kept his nerve to kick another penalty to give Rugby the lead. The game was not over yet, however and with the light almost gone, Tony Lintern had a chance to tie the scores with another penalty. To the relief of the large band of travelling supporters the kick drifted wide and the final whistle blew to send those fans home happy. with a winning score of 16-19

This was a vital win, necessary to keep the Lions in contention in second place in the league.

Supporters Men of the match James Hawken & Wilf Barclay

Leicester Lions: James Greene; Greg Bone, Gary Stephenson, Mike Cawthorn (C), Ben Smith; Karl Birch (Mark Wigham), Tom Boyle; James Ward, Tom Rice, Adi Longbone, Paul Spivey (Chris Harding), Mick Watson (Michael Hague) Richard Wilson, Daniel Hague, Garry Acton. Subs n/u Alan Bateson..

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Dominic Wareing, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers, Ade Hales ; Peter Glackin (Tommy Turner), Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Adam Bond), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Karl Braband, Nick Sharpe (Tommy Booth), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson. Sub n/u Matt Davies.

Referee: Revis Phillips

Cleckheaton 12 West Park 21

Leicester Lions 8 Tynedale 16

Macclesfield 17 Fylde 34 1

Morley P Darlington P

Orrell 6 Blaydon 42 1

Preston Grasshoppers 19 Darlington MP 19

The league table at the halfway stage of the season not only demonstrated how well the Lions had played, but it also gave an indication of the battle between the top five sides. There would be some tough games to come in the New Year.

In the other divisions:

Guinness Premier: 1 Bristol, 2 Leicester, 11 Northampton, 12 Worcester

National 1: 1 Doncaster, 2 Plymouth A, 15 London Welsh, 16 Waterloo.

National 2: 1 Esher, 2 Launceston, 13 Barking, 14 Harrogate.

National 3 South: 1 Southend, 2 Westcombe P, 13 Old Patesians, 14 Chinnor

There were no fixtures on 30^th December except for the postponed game between Morley and Darlington.

Morley 27 1 Darlington 18

The campaign resumed for the Lions with the visit of West Park on 6^th January 2007 The Lions were still smarting over the points that they threw away at West Park in September, so they were dead set on getting their own back. James Hawken had to persevere with his fly half role and Glenn Bond stayed in at fullback. Tim Douglas was preferred to Sam Viggers, with the latter on the bench. Neil Underhill joined Tommo in the second row with Tommy Booth at No.8.

It was January but it was not very cold, however it rained for most of the afternoon and the pitch got soggier and soggier: not the best conditions for sparkling rugby that the supporters were hoping to see.

Rugby began well and with their forwards in charge, chose to kick to touch when Park gave away a penalty just outside their 22. The kick crossed the touch line 10 metres out from Park’s try line. A defending Park player jumped up and patted the ball back to his fullback although he was at least 2 metres over the touchline. Play was allowed to continue and the fullback cleared to touch for a Rugby lineout in about the same place as it would have been from the earlier penalty kick. Rugby threw in and drove over the try line with Sam Overton getting the touch down in the third minute. James Hawken converted for a 7-0 lead.

Rugby’s pack was well on top in the first period, both in the loose and the set piece, and play was mainly confined to the Park half. Several rolling mauls got to within a whisker of Park’s line, but a further score was prevented by determined defence. Park were once penalised in front of their posts with the referee apparently indicating offside at the maul. The crowd expected to see Hawken take the kick for the three points, so were surprised to see a scrum forming, especially when the visitors were awarded the put-in; one of many puzzling decisions from the man in charge.

A number of penalties were conceded early by the visitors, mainly for offside or diving over the ball, and they appeared to receive a final warning from the referee. However it was not the visitor’s who were punished with a yellow card but Wilf Barclay who was sent to the bin for his first offence. Wilf has now collected a number of yellow cards and appears to be a suitable target for referees. After a very lean half the score was 7-0 to Rugby.

Matt Davies replaced Sam Overton at the start of the second half and not long afterwards, new signing Matt Lister, replaced Tommy Booth with Paul Thompson reverting to his favoured number eight position.

While Rugby had the better of the first half, the second half belonged to West Park. As the ground conditions continued to deteriorate, the Lions were trapped in their own half, much of the time in or near their 22. Matt Davies was penalised for not releasing and fullback Andy Soutar kicked the penalty to put points on the board for Park and reduce the deficit to 7-3. Lions defence was continuous and it seemed only a matter of time before it would break down. Following another offside decision against Rugby, Soutar might have reduced the deficit to one point, but his penalty kick went wide of the posts.

Sam Viggers then came on to replace Tim Douglas. One of the biggest cheers of the day came when a kick from the Lions at last reached Park’s half, but it was too soon returned whence it came. Rugby somehow managed to prevent the visitors from scoring from and the final whistle came after five added minutes.

The final score line of 7-3 was the lowest ever recorded in a league game at Webb Ellis Road.

Supporters Man of the Match Paul Thompson

Rugby: Glenn Bond; Michael Rust, Dominic Wareing, Tim Douglas, (Sam Viggers), Ade Hales; James Hawken (C), Toby Handley (David Jackson), Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Matt Davies), Tristan Wati, Neil Underhill, Paul Thompson, Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Tommy Booth (Matt Lister).

West Park: Andy Soutar; Mark Turner, Sam Reay, Stephen Briers, Kalan Warburton; Rob Hitchmough (Mark Murray), Phillip Webster; Mark Devine, Sean Gibney, Liam McLoughlin (Mike Marshall), Dave Westhead, Alan Marsh (Caleb Maraku), Peter Evans (Paul Bamber), Mat Henwood, Craig Smithson (Philip Deakin). Sub n/u Ian Critchley

Referee: Michael Tutty

Cleckheaton 24 Macclesfield 3 1

Darlington MP 16 1 Blaydon 15

Hull Ionians 37 Morley 29 1

Orrell 45 Leicester Lions 13 1

Preston Grasshoppers 16 1 Darlington 14

Tynedale 23 1 Fylde 27

Hardly had the Lions recovered from their great trek north east to Corbridge than they were back again to Blaydon’s home at Crow Trees a shade further south. Added to the challenge was the fact that the Tynesiders were now the league leaders and they would remember that the Lions had beaten them at Webb Ellis Road in September. Was there any good news? Not a lot. There was a new signing from Nottingham, Warren Coles at fullback and Neil Underhill returned to partner Matt Lister, but Hawks still had to be fly half. David Jackson stepped in for Toby Handley.

The Lions started in stormy fashion in tune with the near gale force wind blowing across the pitch. Within two minutes of the start, the home fly half Dan Clappison, formerly of Harrogate, having just come back after suffering a fractured jaw, hobbled off clutching his knee.

Rugby had an early chance to score from a forwards drive but they were held up. They did however, get their first try after five minutes from a line out, the ball being driven in-field, before being worked back on the blind-side, with Skipper Davies the making the overlap.

As if to match Rugby's newest player, Blaydon also introduced Anthony Mellalieu a new signing, also at full back. He had played for Darlington Mowden Park, against Blaydon, the previous Saturday, and impressed the visitors so much that they took him back with them! It wasn't long before both new full backs were in the fray, but as the game went on, it was Mellalieu who stood out.

Stimulated by Rugby's try, Blaydon started to dominate the game, initially in the forwards, but gradually throughout the team. They began to dominate the loose, and ruled the broken play. From a scrum in their own half, No.8 Altona broke clear untouched, and soon, via many hands, the hosts were at Rugby's try line. Winger Fenby then burst out of his own 22, again from broken play, twisting and turning before passing on to supporting players and suddenly the Lions were defending their line again. During this frantic opening quarter, the Lions were second class, whilst Blaydon reigned supreme. Altona, fellow back row Segi and lock Clark each scored a try; only one was converted.

The home side appeared to be heading for a big score but fierce defending by the visitors kept Blaydon out, with the workaholic Barclay, Jackson and Nash prominent. In the second quarter play swung the other way, as Rugby found their composure. Thompson intercepted from yet another home attack, giving right wing Rust the ball in his own half. The talented former mini Lion tore through the cover defence to score a memorable try and get the Lions back into the match with a 12-17 score. Half time arrived with no further scoring.

The Lions started the second half well, but they began to unravel, much as they had done in the first half. Scrums were good enough, but there were too many mistakes. The Lions first up defence was beginning to wobble and good ball won in the line outs was rare Blaydon were happy to feed on this trend in Rugby’s play.

Outside centre Shaw got Blaydon's fourth (bonus) try before Rugby’s reinforcements arrived (Overton and Booth), and it was the latter who brought the Lions a lifeline by scoring a try from a near line scrum. Rugby were still refusing to give in, and again starting to shade territory and forward pressure. With the score at 19:24 a win looked a distinct possibility as did some bonus points, especially when replacement Douglas went off on a mazy run from his own line, only being thwarted by a lack of support.

Unfortunately with seven minutes to go, it finally all went wrong when, from an attacking scrum, a Rugby fumble in the midfield allowed the speedy Fenby to work his way close to Rugby's line enabling Shaw to score his second try. Blaydon replacement Hall finally delivered the coup de grace with Blaydon's sixth try in the last minute of normal time. Final score: Blaydon 34 Rugby 19.

The Lions received a double blow at Blaydon as, for the second year running, they lost centre Sam Viggers with a broken leg. This time it was the other leg,

Newcomer, Warren Coles also suffered a broken bone in his wrist.

Blaydon: Tony Mellalieu; Michael Sutherland, Martin Shaw, Samiuela Soane, Andrew Fenby; Dan Clappison (Richard Windle), Gavin Charlton; Selwyn St Bernard, Charles Roe (Matthew Hall), Paul Winter, Dave Guthrie (C) (Chris Harding), Paul Clark, Patrick Segi (Andrew Wright), Patricio Desmond (Justin Clarke), Peter Altona...

Rugby: Warren Coles, Mike Rust, Matt Goode, Sam Viggers (Tim Douglas), Ade Hales; James Hawken; Dave Jackson, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (C) (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, Matt Lister, Neil Underhill (Tommy Booth), Wilf Barclay (Nick Sharpe), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson..

Referee: Adrian Hartwell

Cleckheaton 12 West Park 21

Leicester Lions 8 Tynedale 16

Macclesfield 17 Fylde 34 1

Morley P Darlington P

Orrell 6 Blaydon 42 1

Preston Grasshoppers 19 Darlington MP 19

At Webb Ellis Road the Crusaders took on a very strong Cheltenham 2^nd XV. It was a closely fought game with the home team having a 16-8 lead at half time. With the wind behind them, Cheltenham came back strongly in the second half and, having levelled the scores, it looked as though they would steal the victory, but some very good defence by Crusaders kept them out. The 23-23 draw was a just result.

Crusaders: Huw Jones; David Barclay (David Clements), Andy Regan, Tom Taylor-Davies, Ben Roberts: Tommy Turner, James Collins; Chris King (Nick Maxwell), Adam Bond, Alex Jones, Ian Mapp, Stuart McHarg, Danny Vento, Lloyd Saunders, Danny Facer (Ben Everton). Sub n/u? Bristow.

Try: Huw Jones, Regan. Pen: Turner (3) Con: Turner (2)

Referee: Stuart Rose

The next Saturday was a designated EDF Energy Cup day and another rest day for the Lions who had to wait for another seven days for the next home game against promotion challengers, Fylde.

The final pool games of the Heineken and European Challenge Cup competition took place this weekend.

In the Heineken the quarter final line-up was: -

Llanelli v Munster – London Wasps v Leinster

Biarritz v Northampton – Leicester Tigers v Stade Français

In the European Challenge Cup the quarter final line-up was: -

ASM Clermont Auvergne v Newcastle Falcons – Bath v Bristol

Newport Gwent Dragons v Brive – Saracens v Glasgow

With the return to duty of newlywed Peter Glackin, James Hawken was able to return to his favoured fullback role for the Fylde game. Tim Douglas replaced the injured Sam Viggers. Wilf Barclay and Tommy Booth were both out with concussion. Nick Sharpe started in the back row and Danny Facer benched.

It was a fine dry day but there was a variable breeze. Among the Fylde support was former England captain and British Lion, Bill Beaumont whose son Sam had been moved off the bench to start at No.7.

Rugby and Fylde were on the same points, in third and fourth positions in the league: so this was a must win match for both sides if they wanted to retain any realistic hope of promotion,.

With former Lion Dave Muckalt moving from number eight to five for the visitors, Fylde started well, turning over a couple of Lion’s rucks and working a number of pick and drive moves These proved very effective throughout the match.

Fylde were first on the scoreboard with a penalty from John Armstrong when Lions were caught offside in front of their posts 22 metre out. They soon responded when, from a scrum in their own 22, Toby Handley spotted a gap on the blind side. He scampered up the line and slipped the ball to Michael Rust who continued the attack. Alex Nash combined to feed the backs and the ball eventually reached fullback James Hawken who was stopped on the visitor’s 22 and a chance was gone. Rugby maintained the pressure, however, and Hawken levelled the scores with a penalty, again awarded for offside.

Matt Goode gathered a loose pass to spring another attack but Fylde defended well to prevent a score. A classic dummy and run from Pete Glackin sent Michael Rust on another strong run and when the visitors were penalised for offside at the ruck, Hawken converted from near the touchline to put Rugby 6-3 ahead with five minutes of the half remaining. Following a penalty, Fylde had a lineout on Rugby’s five metre line and almost reached the try line with a rolling maul, but their attempts came to nothing when the ref decided they had obstructed the Lions defenders. At half time the score remained unchanged

Relegated to the bench, Ade Hales replaced Michael Rust at the start of the second half. Once again Fylde began the half purposefully but when their backs dropped the ball, Matt Goode booted it up field. Fylde’s fullback naively kicked the ball straight back to Goode and, following some lovely interplay involving Glackin, Handley and Hales, Paul Thompson reached the visitor’s 22. The lions support was there but the pass was not, so another chance went begging. During the rush, referee Seeley, officiating for the fifth time in a Lions game this season, pulled a hamstring and had to be replaced by touch judge Paul Smith. A high tackle on Ade Hales earned a penalty for Rugby which Hawks duly posted to make the lead 9-3. A strong run from Sam, son of Bill, Beaumont led to a ruck near the Lions left post from which the other Sam (Simpson) picked up and crashed over for a first try for Fylde, converted by Armstrong to give them a 10-9 lead.

Rugby responded with immediacy and snatched a penalty in front Fylde’s posts when hooker Alex Moffat was penalised for killing the ball. Referee Smith sent him to the bin. He failed to show a yellow card because they were still in injured ref Seeley’s pocket. Hawken converted to move Rugby back into a 12-10 lead. Then Matt Goode’s attempted drop goal drifted just wide of the uprights. From the resulting drop out Paul Thompson fielded the ball and set up a ruck. Toby Handley flicked the ball to Pete Glackin: Ade Hales received it on the touchline and in spite of the two defenders in front of him he skated through for an perfect touchdown. Hawks converted with a superb kick from the touchline to increase the lead to 19-10.

Fylde were not going to give up yet and the league’s top try scorer Nick Royle who had had not done anything special up till then somehow wriggled through for an try to reduce the deficit to 19-15; Armstrong missed the conversion. Rugby were the last to score however, when Fylde were offside in front of their posts and Hawks kicked his fifth penalty to complete an important 22-15 victory. With Blaydon surprisingly losing at West Park St.Helens the league was still wide open and the imminent visit to Darlington was the next fulcrum point.

Supporters Man of the Match Toby Handley

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Mike Rust (Ade Hales ), Matt Goode (Ade Hales ), Tim Douglas, Dominic Wareing; Peter Glackin, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, James Wadey (Jon Stannard), Matt Lister, Nick Sharpe (Danny Facer), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson.

Fylde: Richard Kenyon; Nick Royle, David Cunliffe, Paul Reeves, Daniel Waller (Stuart Blackburn); John Armstrong, Paul Newton (Martin Wallwork); Sam Simpson, Alex Moffat, Darren Clark (Malaga Leota), Nick King, Dave Muckalt, Dan Bowman, Sam Beaumont (Alan Holmes), Dylan O’Grady..

Referee: Chris Seeley/Paul Smith

Cleckheaton 3 Leicester Lions 28

Darlington MP 30 Darlington 27 2

Hull Ionians 42 1 Orrell 7

Preston Grasshoppers 32 1 Macclesfield 18

Tynedale 20 Morley 18 1

West Park 23 Blaydon 19 1

The following weekend was the start of the Six Nations Competition and everyone was waiting for England’s new coach, Brian Ashton to announce the final 22. Significantly Jonny Wilkinson had declared himself ‘fit for purpose’ after returning to play in the second half of Newcastle Falcons league game against Leicester Tigers. Paul Ackford’s prediction in the Sunday Telegraph was Ireland 1, France 2, England 3, Wales 4, Scotland 5 and Italy 6.

Rugby were back on the north east trail again on the Saturday, this time only as far as Darlington. The ‘overcrowding’ at the top of the National 3 North league table was now turning every game into a potential snake while ladders were few in number, especially as clubs at the other end were redoubling efforts to stay in place. Rugby’s big win against Darlington in September was no real guide.

The team selected was pretty well the same as had beaten Fylde. The only changes were Hales switching with Rust (bench) and Danny Facer replacing Jon Stannard on the bench.

On a lovely sunny afternoon at Blackwell Meadows the game did not start well for the Lions, as they lost Paul Thompson to the sin-bin for an early deliberate knock-on and the Darlington were soon in front with a Charlie Raynor penalty. Worse followed when Matt Goode had to leave the field with a badly cut and possibly broken thumb. Mike Rust came on to replace Matt and suddenly changed things with two storming runs from his own half which both led to tries. They were scored by Toby Handley and Ade Hales, the latter having swapped his bench place with Rust. Hawks converted Toby’s try to give the Rugby a 3-12 lead.

Despite the home side’s domination of possession, the Lions backs constantly effected more penetration with the minimal possession they had. Matt Goode surprisingly returned to the fray with his thumb strapped up to replace Rust. At half time the scoreline remained at 3-12.

The second half began much the same as the first with Darlington monopolising the ball and putting the Lions under great pressure up front. Two penalty kicks from Raynor diminished Lion’s lead as the momentum went Darlington’s way. Matt Goode eventually had to leave the field to be replaced again by Rust who went on to the wing, with Wareing moving to outside centre

The Lions got a rare treat when, following a strong run by Tim Douglas, Toby Handley scored a typically opportunist try as he and ghosted though a gap with rucked ball. Hawken converted, taking the score to 9-19. Sam Overton and Wilf Barclay replaced Matt Davies and Nick Sharpe respectively.

The pressure from the home side was continuous and eventually registered when hooker Dan Ostleton scored a try from a rolling maul. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 14-19. The Lions were defending desperately by now, and another score from the home pack looked inevitable. Lions kept them out until the 76th minute but the inevitable try came from yet another rolling maul. The conversion missed so the scores were tied at 19-19, and a draw looked the most likely outcome.

As time finally ran out, Darlington were penalised for a high tackle on fullback Hawken. It was 40 metres out and a kick at goal was the only option and the force was with Hawks. As the ball sailed over the bar and the final whistle sounded, the relief illuminated the faces of players and supporters alike. Their mood was enhanced by the news of Leicester Lion’s amazing win over Blaydon.

Supporters Man of the Match James Hawken

Darlington: Chris Barber; Frank Coulson (Alan Brown), Alex Lineton, Craig Lee, Simon Crozier; Charles Raynor, Shaun Richardson; Selwyn St Bernard, Lee Hoggett, Dan Oselton (Robert Goddard), Joe Oselton, Andrew Harston (William Smith), Richard Snowball, Michael Taylor, Matthew Holmes.

Rugby: James Hawken, Ade Hales, Matt Goode (Mike Rust), Tim Douglas, Dominic Wareing; Peter Glackin, Dave Jackson, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Matt Lister, Nick Sharpe (Wilf Barclay), Alex Nash, Paul Thompson. Sub n/u Danny Facer.

Referee: Revis Phillips

Cleckheaton 16 Hull Ionians 41 1

Fylde 0 West Park 8

Leicester Lions 51 1 Blaydon 36 1

Macclesfield 17 1 Tynedale 23

Morley 28 1 Darlington MP 14

Orrell 0 Preston Grasshoppers 53 1

The opening round of the Six Nations Championship took place on Saturday and Sunday. On the Saturday France played Italy at the Stadio Flammino where the home team were expected to give a good account of themselves, however the Azzuri very much underperformed and went down 3-39. Sebastian Chabal was outstanding for les Bleus and their new half back pairing worked well.

England were next up, meeting last year’s Murrayfield winners, Scotland at Twickenham. Brian Ashton had picked Jonny Wilkinson at fly half, Jason Robinson on the wing and Andy Farrell at centre. After their string of losses it was do or die for England. In the event, Wilkinson was the epitome of ‘Wilson of the Wizard,’ running the game as if he had never left it and scoring 27 of his side’s points in their 42-20 victory.

Wales hosted Ireland in Cardiff on the Sunday and were likely to pose a threat to Ireland’s ‘favourites’ tag. Unfortunately they were missing vital players and though they pressed Ireland hard, they were unable to get tries: Ireland had no such problems and ran out 9-19 winners.

That weekend saw the passing of one of the Rugby Football Club’s staunchest and longest serving members and supporters. Eileen Fawcett, short of stature but loud of voice, with her distinctive bouffant hairstyle had been associated with the club for about sixty years. Her late husband Geoff had served the club as Hon Treasurer, match day announcer and statto, keeping Rugby Lions scrapbooks from when he was a boy supporter. Eileen was very proud of Geoff’s scrapbooks. She had been a hard working member of the ladies committee and an integral part of the players’ après-match meal service as well as a raiser of funds, latterly to help run supporters coaches to away games. Eileen always travelled on them and nearly always distributed a bag of Woolworth’s ‘Pic’n Mix’ to surrounding passengers.

The second Saturday in February was a designated EDF Energy Cup day; Round 5 and the last before the quarter finals. It was fortunate for the Lions and the rest of the National 3 North teams, all of which had already been knocked out, as the country suffered the worst snowfall for several years on the Thursday and Friday, leading to the postponement of many cup games and some other league games.

It was, however the second weekend of the Six Nations Competition and none of those games was affected.

The first match was England v Italy at Twickenham. In their first game against France the Italian coach had, with fatal consequences, started the game with his reserve front row. He learned his lesson and reversed things at Twickenham and the blues subdued England’s new found vitality, but in spite of scoring a good late try they were unable to beat their hosts. Jonny Wilkinson and his team were but a pale shadow of the ‘hammers of the Scots,’ though the man himself won the game 20-7 mainly with his goal kicking

Wales travelled to Murrayfield for a wooden spoon preliminary. Both teams spluttered but neither seemed to possess the means to actually cross the other’s line. In the event the only scores were penalty goals of which Paterson’s seven beat Jones’ three for Scottish victory by 21-9.

The best game of the weekend was in Ireland, the first ever rugby match on the hallowed turf of the Emerald Isle’s Gaelic Football ground at Croke Park in Dublin. It was thought the venue might faze the opponents, France, but that was not the case. It was a close and exciting encounter that appeared to have been won by the men in green until a fast French winger stole an injury time try. Ireland were distraught but the score was 17-20.

It was back to the league programme on the 17^th February as the Six Nations Competition had its first rest weekend, although several international players did not get rested as, much to the dissatisfaction of the national team coaches, their Premier League employers reclaimed their services for important league fixtures.

It was a home game for Rugby Lions, the only one in February and another crucial one at that. Morley were the visitors, and their poor away record was a possibly a banana skin waiting to be stepped upon. Rugby had beaten them well at Scatcherd Lane back in October. Matt Lister, unavailable due to a prior engagement, was the main absentee, being replaced by Neil Underhill: Wilf Barclay returned to the back row. Tim Douglas dropped to the bench in favour of Dom Wareing with Mike Rust starting at No.14.

The game opened with Rugby defending the Dragons end and Morley initially hogging the ball. The Lions eventually freed it and made some promising thrusts into Morley’s half, only to lose possession each time at the crucial point. The ever reliable (call me ‘Jonny’) James Hawken kicked a penalty when Morley were went offside, however, not long afterwards Morley’s fly half, Glenn Boyd failed with an attempt to level the scores with a similar kick.

A blistering run from Wilf Barclay down the shed side line was stopped when he was brought down just inside Morley’s 22. An opportunist tapped penalty by Morley’s scrum half, Scott Benton ended with centre Pete Murphy scoring the first try in front of the clubhouse, but Boyd, having an off day, missed the conversion. Lions came back immediately and forced the visitors to defend their try line from corner to corner. Eventually the defence cracked and Pete Glackin scored under the posts; the try was converted by Hawks to take the home team in at half time with a 10-5 lead.

‘Tactical’ changes at half time replaced Ade Hales with Tim Douglas and Neil Underhill with Tommy Booth. A penetrating run from No.8 Booth (Thompson had taken up Underhill’s second row position) produced a penalty for the Lions as they rucked the ball out, and Hawken took the three points.

Matt Goode, in classic style, chipped the ball over the Yorkshire backs from his own 22, collecting it to send Michael Rust down the right wing. It looked as though a try was on, but when Hawken got the ball, Boyd knocked it out of his grasp. The ref signalled a knock on and awarded a scrum to Rugby. Morley disputed his decision too volubly so the referee penalised them and James Hawken kicked the goal to increase the lead to 16-5 and take his season’s points total to 199.

Morley were not giving in and began to increase the pressure on Rugby’s defence. Matt Goode, who hade made light of a recent thumb injury obtained at Darlington, was knocked out in a tackle, and after a long delay was stretchered off. Nick Sharpe came on to join the back row, with the speedy Wilf Barclay moving to replace Matt at centre.

The visitors maintained their pressure and it seemed inevitable when their No.8 Dave Hopton scored near the posts. Boyd was successful this time and reduced the deficit to 16-12. The game had turned upside down and Morley were now all over the Lion’s who were desperately defending their line. The visitors skilfully kept the ball alive with big flanker Craig Field having an impressive game, and eventually lock Matt Challinor dived over from close range to give his side the lead. Glenn Boyd, surprisingly, missed the head-on conversion when the ball hit the post so the one point lead remained.

As time ran out, Morley were keeping possession and running the clock down while Rugby were finding it difficult to get out of their own half. However, an error by Morley, at their own lineout, sent the Lion’s pack storming up field. The ball was recycled several times until Dave Jackson fed Peter Glackin who dropped a superb goal to give the Lions a lead of 19-17. The drama was not complete, however as, when Morley were awarded a penalty just inside Lion’s half, with the referee indicating the last play, Glenn Boyd’s penalty attempt dropped under the bar as the final whistle went to leave Rugby as lucky 19-17 winners.

Supporters Man of the Match Wilf Barclay

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Mike Rust, Matt Goode (Nick Sharpe), Dominic Wareing, Ade Hales (Tim Douglas); Peter Glackin, David Jackson, Phil Greenbury, Matt Davies (Sam Overton), Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Neil Underhill (Tommy Booth), Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Paul Thompson.

Morley: Scott Evans; Kris Whata, Neil Murray (Mark Pease), Pete Murphy, Matt Callaghan; Glenn Boyd, Scott Benton (C); Garth Dodgson (Paul Gabriel), Leon Treco, Scott Wilson Matt Challinor, Simon Chippendale, Craig Field, Steve Hewetson, Dave Hopton. Subs n/u Mark Cahill, Lance Hamilton.

Referee: Andy Bickle

Blaydon 15 Fylde 6

Darlington MP 29 1 Macclesfield 11

Hull Ionians 17 1 Leicester Lions 20

Preston Grasshoppers 42 1 Cleckheaton 15

Tynedale 102 1 Orrell 0

West Park 23 1 Darlington 24 1

Rugby Lions’ second narrow victory enabled them to hang on to their third place in the league table. Tynedale’s cricket score against Orrell almost doubled their points difference. Five players resigned from Orrell during the week before the game and they had to field a scratch team. This would appear to be an unfair advantage obtained over teams competing for promotion. Orrell’s lost game guaranteed their relegation.

The Six Nations competition resumed its progress on the last weekend of February, but this time there was a scheduled league game as well. Rugby had to travel to Macclesfield where they had failed to take the points two seasons previously on their debut visit.

The selected team, with eight alterations, was the most changed league side thus far. Warren Coles returned from injury in place of Rust; Chris Murphy replaced the concussed Goode and new half backs in the persons of Handley and Turner completed the lighter weight component. In the forwards, Sam Overton started in place of Matt Davies, the other Matt (Lister) partnered Thompson in the second row with Tommy Booth at No.8.

Rugby scored first in the fifth minute with a Hawken penalty that took his season’s points total over 200. Macclesfield retaliated when Rugby lost the ball at the restart. The ‘Maccapack’ then solemnly rolled the Lions back over their own line, a distance of thirty metres or more. Prop Goodfellow claimed the try and Ross Winney converted it to take Macclesfield 7-3 ahead.

Rugby’s lineout was in good nick, and ten minutes later Lions returned the compliment with their rolling maul which at its climax contained thirteen players with only James Hawken and Tim Douglas ‘minding the shop.’ Sam Overton got the touchdown and Hawks converted it to restore the Lions lead at 7-10. Hawken and Winney later exchanged penalties to end the first half with the score 10-13 in the Lions favour.

After the break Rugby soon extended their lead with another James Hawken penalty, but then Macclesfield’s play erupted and Rugby were engulfed. First Winney levelled with a penalty and then some abysmal midfield defence allowed the home backs to run through and score three successive tries, two from Mursal and the third from Wilding. Winney converted two of them to lift Macclesfield to a 32-16 lead, thereby taking the five points on offer.

Lions bought on all their replacements, Matt Davies, Dave Jackson, Dom Wareing and Danny Facer to try to restore order, but the prospects for turning things round did not look good.

Rugby did recover in the last quarter, with some lovely interplay between Paul Thompson and Ade Hales from their own 22. Alex Nash who took the ball on was brought down just five metres out and the ball was lost. Tommy Booth, who had another good game at number eight, picked up from the base of the subsequent scrum and showed his strength by crashing over the line, with ancillary support. James Hawken reduced the deficit with the conversion to give some respectability to the score line at 32-23 but not respectable enough to gain a bonus point.

Rugby were out-manoeuvred up front and had no alternative strategy to employ. Macclesfield needed a victory to provide a boost against relegation and they worked hard to get it. James Hawken’s first penalty goal, giving him 190 league points, broke Martyn Davies’ record of 189 set in 1998/99.

.Supporters Man of the Match Paul Thompson

Macclesfield David Jones; Adam Mursall, Theo Rhodes, Anthony Howcroft, Nicholas Wilding; Charles Winney, Andrew Rice (William Cliff); Scott Goodfellow (Scott Harrison), Peter Allen, Matthew Collie, Jeremy Bostock (Francis Barker), Gareth Lodge, Daniel Baines, Richard Jones (Neil Keane), Gary Hewitt.

Rugby: James Hawken, Warren Coles, Chris Murphy (Dominic Wareing), Tim Douglas, Ade Hales; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley (Dave Jackson), Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Matt Davies), Tristan Wati, Matt Lister, Paul Thompson, Wilf Barclay (Danny Facer), Alex Nash, Tommy Booth.

Referee: Matthew Daubney

Cleckheaton 7 Tynedale 36 1

Darlington 10 1 Blaydon 15

Hull Ionians 9 Preston Grasshoppers 38 1

Leicester Lions 24 1 Fylde 8

Morley 20 1 West Park 15 1

Orrell 9 1 Darlington MP 25

This weekend all three Six Nations games were scheduled for the Saturday with the last between France and Wales in Paris being the first ever evening kick-off in the competition.

Italy were visitors to Murrayfield where their hosts Scotland gifted them three tries in the first seven minutes of the game: one from a charge down and two interceptions, all being converted. Scotland got back to within a score but then Italy’s forwards swung the game back their way to win their first away fixture in the competition 17-37.

England were travellers to play Ireland, though not at Lansdowne Road. The game took place at Croke Park where France had triumphed in the last round. There was England/Ireland ‘baggage’ attached to this venue but there were no incidents. However there was probably motivation for Ireland whose team completely outplayed England to complete a record 43-13 victory.

Wales managed to get eleven points in front of France by the end of the first quarter but French class eventually hauled the visitors back to run out 32-21 winners.

France were now the only unbeaten side with England and Scotland left to play.

There were a few Guinness Premiership matches played and Northampton’s one point victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road heightened Worcester’s relegation crisis as they lost at home to Gloucester and went seven points adrift of the Saints with an extra game played. In National 1 Doncaster beat stragglers Otley but remained 14 points adrift of leaders Leeds. Otley’s win kept them two points clear fr of Moseley with a game in hand. In National 3 South Southend remained top, two points ahead of Westcombe Park.

The first weekend in March repeated the mild weather that had been characteristic of the majority of the winter at that point. There was heavy rain on the Friday evening and overnight but Saturday morning was sunny for the visit of an already relegated Orrell. They would be in North1 next season and moving from their Edge Hall Road home.

With the Lions promotion chance apparently fading and the repeated dismal performances of Orrell there was not quite the usual cliff-edge feeling to the day. The team’s failure to get a win at Priory Park resulted in a change of personnel, Tommy Turner held his place but Mike Rust replaced Chris Murphy and Warren Coles dropped to the bench Neil ‘Flapper’ Underhill returned for his last appearance before retirement with Tommo also benching, joined by Pete Glackin: captain, Matt Davies also sat on the bench.

The day was sunny but heavy overnight rain left a sticky surface though the wind was light enough to offer little assistance or hindrance to kickers.

Lions went ahead straight from the kick-off after a break from Dominic Wareing. Ade Hales was in support and, as he was tackled, he carefully lobbed the ball across to James Hawken with room to touch down in the left corner. Hawks expertly converted his try from the touchline.

Rugby’s game plan indicated that they would run everything, but this led to a few handling errors. Lion’s next try came during a heavy shower toward the end of the first quarter, once more involving Hales on the left touchline. Danny Facer, running in support, scored it where Hawks had done previously. Hawken’s repeat conversion found its mark to give Rugby a 14-0 lead.

Powerful forays by No.8, Tommy Booth and centre Dominic Wareing sent Hawks into space down the right but, he failed to see Michael Rust who was clear on his right shoulder as he was tackled so the opportunity for another score went begging. Play then deteriorated as both sides committed handling errors. On the half hour Orrell were spotted handling on the floor and James Hawken promptly directed the ball between Orrell’s posts.

Lions then ruined a promising move. James Hawken joined the line of attack and chipped the ball over the defenders for Michael Rust to take. Rusty drew the fullback perfectly and passed to an unopposed Tim Douglas just ten metres out. He dropped the ball, however and the opportunity was lost. Rugby kept up the pressure and after an eight man shove, the pack turned the ball over and Phil Greenbury slipped it to Toby Handley who crashed over from close range. Hawken’s conversion was just wide of the left upright. Half time arrived with Rugby leading 22-0

Peter Glackin replaced Tim Douglas from the start of the second half, and a back’s move, such as we saw in September, ended with Hawks coming into the back line at speed, but with Hales free on his left shoulder he preferred the tackle. The ball was recycled and Orrell were then caught offside. The three points on offer were rejected and a touch kick brought a five metre lineout. This proved to be a sensible choice as the consequent drive by Rugby’s pack was jet-propelled, and Phil Greenbury claimed try number four and the extra bonus point. Hawks’ conversion was again veered to the left of the uprights.

A scintillating break from Toby Handley was stopped by an apparent high tackle then, in the ensuing ruck, Orrell’s scrum half took out Handley before the ball had emerged; his temerity earned him a yellow card. The referee presented the card again not long afterwards when the Orrell hooker was sent to the sin bin for stamping. At that point, Danny Facer, Phil Greenbury and Ade Hales were replaced by Paul Thompson, Matt Davies and Warren Coles so, with Orrell reduced to thirteen in number more Lions scores were anticipated. However, a serious of wrong options in a period of poor play, enabled Orrell to ride out the bin time until some good work by Matt Lister offered Tristan Wati a glimpse of the try line, and he dived through from five metres. Yet again the conversion drifted left of the posts to leave the score at 32-0.

Orrell had not looked like scoring but, a misunderstanding between Lion’s players right in front of their posts gave Orrell the opportunity. A consolation try, five minutes before full time, for their prop Fratermali was converted by Slybinga Makhaza. Lions attacked again and Wareing’s slick reverse pass almost put Rust through the defence. Orrell earned another yellow card when replacement lock, David Spiers was seen handling on the floor. Lions, choosing to take a scrum, were fortunate to be awarded a penalty try when the visitors broke too early and the referee got in the way of Toby Handley’s pass. James Hawken converted to increase Lion’s lead to 39-7.

At the restart, Alex Nash was hit hard by Orrell’s hooker whilst still in the air. Alex took exception to this and fists flew. When the referee finally calmed things down, the culprit was shown his second yellow card, followed by a red. The final whistle blew with Rugby winning by 39-7

It being "Flapper" Underhill’s last appearance for the Lions prior to retirement and he was shouldered off the pitch by a couple of Lion’s players only to be dumped on his back into a muddy puddle. His service to Rugby Lions, spread over fifteen years, was much appreciated by the applauding home supporters..

Supporters Man of Match Tommy Turner

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Mike Rust, Tim Douglas (Peter Glackin), Dominic Wareing, Ade Hales (Warren Coles); Tommy Turner, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury (Matt Davies), Sam Overton, Tristan Wati, Neil Underhill Matt Lister, Wilf Barclay (Paul Thomson), Alex Nash, Tommy Booth.

Orrell: George Mosey; Daniel Ligari (Kolinio Naulago), Fergus Owens, Adam Glover, Sibouele Noungane; Slybinga Makhaza, Richard Bradley; Dominic Fratermali, Robert Townsend, Thomas Ellinson (Martin McKeown)(Andrew Daley) James Lowry (C), Brian Roberts (David Spiers), Jimmy Baloyi, Daniel Higham, Jonathan Attia..

Referee: Phillip Davies

Blaydon 33 1 Morley 26 1

Darlington MP 19 Cleckheaton 8

Fylde 45 1 Darlington 13

Preston Grasshoppers 43 1 Leicester Lions 14

Tynedale 39 1 Hull Ionians 7

West Park 24 1 Macclesfield 18 1

Wins for Blaydon, Tynedale and Preston with try bonus points included left Rugby’s league position unchanged.

The following weekend was the return of Six Nations business and, with the Crusaders game against Bedford Athletic cancelled by Bedford; a first XV squad game took place at Webb Ellis Road.

The Six Nations competition returned after its 14 day break with a completely revamped England side to meet France at Twickenham. There were about eight changes, four of them for injured personnel including the captain, Phil Vickery (concussed). Wilkinson was also ‘hors de combat’ so Brian Ashton raided the nursery for fly halves, with Toby Flood starting, and Paul Geraghty on the bench. To offset this rash of youth the venerable Mike Catt was recalled to replace Andy Farrell and to take over the captaincy. This selection naturally raised a lot of journalistic eyebrows.

First off on Saturday were Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield. Instead of a repeat of Ireland’s ‘Lord Mayor’s Show’ performance against England, we were and truly given the ‘dustcart’ by the men in green. Scotland were unlucky to lose, but they could fairly claim that they gave Ireland all of their points. In the end Ireland scraped home by 18-19.

Later that afternoon it was the turn of Wales and Italy in an overcast Rome. Italy were once again very strong performers and gave Wales a hard time. Mauro Bergamasco’s punch to Stephen Jones’ eye was not picked up by the referee, or he would have surely gone off on red. It was ironic that it was Bergamasco’s try that finally sealed Wales’ fate.

The visitors failed to kick a last second penalty through the posts, rather choosing a lineout, but getting blown up for full time before it could be taken. Ref Chris White later apologised. Italy won; a) first back to back game; b) first away game in the competition. Final score, 23-20.

England’s game against unbeaten France was on Sunday and their fans looked on with some apprehension but France were in lacklustre mode and Brian Ashton’s ‘new selection’ played a blinder, erasing the Croke Park misery with some sparkling play by old and young alike. A try for new cap, Toby Flood and another made by sub Geraghty’s first lightning run through the French ranks. England won 26-18 to give themselves a chance of being champions if they could win by a sufficient points difference in Cardiff.

With last round of the Six Nations competition taking England away, the Lions show went back on the road, this time to Cleckheaton in Yorkshire, a venue where they lost a crucial game two seasons earlier by a single point. Unfortunately the squad was beset by injuries and some regular faces were missing on the day. Two new boys, prop Nick Maxwell and lock Stuart Riding were on the bench to cover for the missing Paul Thompson and Matt Davies, but Matt Goode returned from concussion leave to bolster up the backs.

The mild day was bright and sunny but there was a very strong cross wind that had to be allowed for. The first half was very ragged and punctuated with mistakes by both sides. Rugby dominated the first quarter but did not get any points on the board. James Hawken’s first penalty kick in the opening minutes of the game was snatched away by the fierce wind. Minutes later Dom Wareing’s crunching tackle dislodged the ball from the hands of a Cleckheaton attacker just short of Rugby’s try line. Half an hour had passed before Lions took the lead with a Hawken penalty for a Cleckheaton tackle offence.

This week Rugby’s pack were winning the set piece play; Alex Nash performed well in the line-outs and also in an extended forward drive that eventually foundered a metre from the home line. Reflecting the low score in the home game, Rugby led 0-3 at half time.

Rugby started the second half badly by knocking the ball on when they tried to run it out of their own 22. Tommy Turner used the wind to pin Cleck down in their own half then a long clearance was fielded on half way by Michael Rust. He linked nicely with Ade Hales who released fullback Hawken down the left to secure the Lions first try on 48 minutes. After hitting the post with a prior penalty attempt, Hawken made no mistake with the conversion to give Rugby a 10-0 lead.

Running out of ideas, Cleckheaton tried to run the ball from their 22, but this tactic failed when James Wadey intercepted and slipped the ball to Alex Nash. Hawken reappeared down the left touch-line to take the ball and dive into the corner. He finished it off by kicking a masterful conversion into the wind.

Tommy Turner put in a perfect kick to the right hand touchline, which almost produced another try. The Cleck defender lost the ball a metre in from the line and Dom Wareing kicked it towards the try line but it had too much momentum and it crossed the dead ball line before he got to it.

A chip and chase from Matt Goode almost produced another try but, with the try line in sight the ball was knocked out of his hands as he tried to gather it. Lions now bought on Stuart Riding for James Wadey, and Wilf Barclay for Tommy Booth. Likely lad, Wilf was straight into the heart of things and tempted another yellow card after he appeared to trip an opponent. However, the referee only lectured him.

A forceful run by Cleckheaton’s midfield had Rugby under rare pressure, but a forward pass spoiled their chance of a try. Lions then exchanged Michael Rust for Chris Murphy. Cleck were still trying to run the ball, but when their winger dropped it on half way, Murphy scooped it up, and with his ‘new’ legs he was unstoppable. Hawken converted from in front of the posts to end the game 0-24, their second blanking of the season, but they missed out on the try bonus point.

Cleckheaton: Ryan Duckett; Joe South, Tom Lauriston, Mark Billington, Ross Hayden; Owen Edwards, Alex Drage (William Cliff); Carl Mason (Grant Turton), Mark Chivers, James Lamptey, Oliver Hawkins (Francis Barker), Ryan Piercy, Richard Piper (Neil Gillan), Ian Larkin (Robin Bennett), Oliver Ackroyd.

Rugby: James Hawken, Mike Rust (Chris Murphy), Matt Goode, Dominic Wareing, Ade Hales; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley (Dave Jackson), Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Matt Davies), Tristan Wati (Nick Maxwell), Nick Sharpe, James Wadey (Stuart Riding), Danny Facer, Alex Nash, Tommy Booth (Wilf Barclay).

Referee: Revis Philips

Supporters Man of the Match James Hawken

Hull Ionians 32 1 Darlington MP 8

Leicester Lions 24 Darlington 19 1

Macclesfield 10 Blaydon 24 1

Morley 32 1 Fylde 16

Orrell 18 West Park 18

Preston Grasshoppers 22 Tynedale 10

All of the Six Nations games took place on the Saturday, with the Italy v Ireland game starting first. Italy proved to be a lively opponent on home territory and managed to amass 24 points including two tries, but Ireland seemed to be able to charge off whenever and wherever an opportunity was there and they scored eight tries, four of which O’Gara converted. The last try of the game, Italy’s second, was scored in the very last seconds of the action and it turned out to be crucial. Ireland won 24-51.

The next game was in Paris where France entertained Scotland. As the Ireland game had preceded theirs, the French knew just how many points they required to score in a winning game to finish top of he table. Their play proved to be superior to that of the Scots but the visitors fought hard and did manage to score two tries. France, however, scored six and won 46-19. Their last try, scored as time expired, was the subject of a dubious video decision. It gave them the Championship on points difference. The referee had earlier yellow carded one of the Scottish Lamont brothers, but sent off the wrong one!

England journeyed to the Millennium Stadium to meet Wales in the final game with even more inexperienced young players and started badly, conceding a very early try from a charge down by new Welsh hero, James Hook. Wrong-footed, they shipped more points as the Welsh pressurised them. England eventually recovered with two good tries, but they lost senior players, Joe Worsley and Mike Catt to injury and Wales, emphasising their superiority, surged back to run out winners by 27-18.

P W D L F A Pts

France 5 4 0 1 155 86 8

Ireland 5 4 0 1 149 84 8

England 5 3 0 2 119 115 6

Italy 5 2 0 3 94 147 4

Wales 5 1 0 4 86 113 2

Scotland 5 1 0 4 95 153 2

The next weekend saw the first visit to Webb Ellis Road of Hull Ionians, a club which incorporated old adversaries, Hull & East Riding. They were lodged in the lower half of the league table and not far off the third relegation spot. Rugby’s selectors, for the first time this season, made no changes to the team and substitutes that had played the previous Saturday at Cleckheaton. Director of Rugby, Mark Ellis was absent, however, as was his forwards coach Richard Mee so Richard Gee borrowed Steve Halsey, the Crusaders forwards coach for the day.

The weather was once again on the chilly side with a noticeably bitter wind blowing down the pitch.

Rugby were defending from the off and their line was soon breached. Within five minutes Hull number eight Gary Acton crashed over from an unstoppable rolling maul. Karl Birch converted it to put Hull 0-7 in the lead. The Lions responded with James Hawken kicking two penalties, thereby equalling Jim Quantrill’s league record of 42 in a season. Hull were soon flexing their muscles again with Karl Birch restoring Hull’s lead to four points, when Rugby were optimistically deemed to be offside.

Some good mauling by the Rugby pack followed, with Tommy Turner touching down under the posts, but the referee awarded a penalty to Hull for crossing. Matt Goode picked up Hull’s loose clearance kick and sent Dominic Wareing off on a strong run, finally passing inside to Ade Hales for a welcome try. James Hawken converted to give Rugby a 13-10 lead with the clock already on 44 minutes. In the remaining six minutes of added time, Hull scrum half James Green was allowed to stroll over after picking up from the base of a five metre scrum. Birch again converted and half time was whistled; Hull were leading 13-17.

Rugby were now playing into the strong wind and Hull soon increased their lead. Wilf Barclay, who had replaced Danny Facer at the break, was penalised for failing to stay on his feet and Birch once again collected penalty points. Rugby rose to the task aided by a run of penalties when Hull prevented the ball from being released in the ruck. After a lineout the Lions pack drove to a metre short of the try line, but the visitors continued to kill the ball. Another lineout was taken and Ade Hales seemed to have sent off Barclay down the left wing, but the pass went behind him and the opportunity was lost.

A Hull player intercepted a long pass from Hales on the home 22 and this led to a try in front of the clubhouse for Hull replacement Joe Donkin. The surefooted Birch again converted to stretch Hull’s lead to fourteen points. After the sin binning of Hull’s James Green, Rugby pressed hard and Matt Goode threaded his way through to score a good try; Hawken again adding the conversion Wilf Barclay’s manner of using his boot to remove a Hull player lying offside at a ruck on halfway, earned him a spell in the bin.

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Hull kicked to touch and got a drive going from the throw-in to get within two metres of Rugby’s try line before the maul went down. Much to the amazement of the home supporters the referee gave Hull a penalty try rather than the expected penalty; Birch swiftly converted it. As the players went towards the centre circle for the re-start, Sam Overton was shown the yellow card, as the chosen culprit for pulling down the maul.

Hull flanker, Mark Wigham went over under the posts for a try (converted) in the last minute of normal time to wrap up a thoroughly deserved 20-41 victory that appeared to dump any relegation worries.

With Preston also losing at Darlington Mowden Park, Blaydon and Tynedale were left, tied nine points clear at the top of the table. It was Rugby’s second home league defeat of the season, their biggest margin of defeat and the highest number of points conceded. Adrian Hales solitary try, taking his league total to 17, broke Eddie Saunders record for league tries in a season (16) set in 2000/01.

Supporters Man of the Match Matt Goode

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Mike Rust (Chris Murphy), Matt Goode, Dominic Wareing, Ade Hales; Tommy Turner, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury, Sam Overton (Nick Maxwell), Tristan Wati, Nick Sharpe (Stuart Riding), James Wadey, Danny Facer (Wilf Barclay), Alex Nash, Tommy Booth.

Hull Ionians Mike Cawthorn; Barry Stephenson, Richard Poskitt (Joe Donkin), Greg Bone, Richard Moorhouse; Karl Birch, James Greene; Chris Starling, Tom Rice (Lyran Clunis), Adrian Longbone (James Ward), Paul Spivey, Richard Wilson, Robert Kench, Richard Wigham, Gerry Acton (Allan Bateson)..

Referee: James Fisher

Blaydon 124 1 Orrell 0

Darlington 20 Morley 30 1

Darlington MP 19 Preston GH 12 1

Fylde 27 1 Macclesfield 14

Tynedale 37 1 Leicester Lions 12

West Park 41 1 Cleckheaton 20

Having been defeated in what, on paper, looked the most winnable of the remaining games, the Lions next fixture, a week later, looked to be one of the toughest. Rugby were off to Lightfoot Green to take on Preston Grasshoppers.

There were several changes due to continuing injury problems. Chris King was to make his league debut taking on the injured Phil Greenbury’s end of the scrum and, in a novel move, fullback Glenn Bond, sidelined by the immaculate Hawken, was given the number ten shirt. Paul Thompson returned to partner Stuart Riding in the second row. Warren Coles started on the wing with Ade Hales on the bench while Dom Wareing moved from centre to the other wing to let in Tim Douglas.

Rugby began the game with little or no possession, having to defend as they had done against Hull, but this was a changed crew who played with a new found drive, functioning well as an integrated team. The pack was classy, notwithstanding being dwarfed by the opposition’s eight.

After surviving Preston’s initial onslaught and conceding only a solitary penalty, Rugby at last got the ball in their hands and the backs demonstrated their skills. The set pieces were to be avoided and it was soon clear that the game plan was to supply quick ball to give the backs maximum space. James Hawken levelled the scores with a touchline penalty after Hoppers were penalised for killing the ball at a ruck. This brought his season’s total of league of penalty goals to 43, thereby breaking Jim Quantrill’s record of 42 set in 1995/96.

A characteristic darting run following a quick tap penalty from Toby Handley got Rugby into the Preston 22, where the ball was moved out to Dom Wareing, playing at centre. He sped around the defender to touch down between the posts for Rugby’s first try, easily converted by James Hawken as the first quarter ended..

But Preston swung back into the game, and on the half hour, a slick pass put centre Oliver Moore through to touch down for the first home try. This was easily converted by Paul Bailey to level the scores at 10 apiece. A drop goal kicked by fly half Boshoff ended the first half scoring to give Hoppers a 13-10 lead at half time.

Ade Hales came on at the start of the second half to replace Tim Douglas so Dom Wareing officially reverted to centre. Early pressure from Hoppers led to a second Bailey penalty, doubling their lead to six points. Rugby responded on cue and ‘that man’, Toby Handley, scored a trade mark try for Lions to regain the lead with Hawken’s conversion.

Preston then turned the screw on Rugby, camping on their try line, where for the second week running the visitors conceded a debatable penalty try for dropping a maul. This time, however, the referee did not use his yellow card. Bailey converted to restore Preston’s six point lead. Lion’s travelling supporters were not dismayed by this as their team was now playing well and they would soon take hold of the game.

The game was restarted and immediately some determined running by the Lions’ players put James Hawken through to dive over with ten minutes left on the clock.. However, his conversion bounced back off the upright leaving Lions still one point adrift. It was Rugby’s game now, and after a Preston player was yellow carded for killing the ball five metres out, an inside pass from Glenn Bond sent Matt Goode scurrying over to score. For a second time Hawk’s conversion returned off the upright, but Lions now led at 23-27.

After a smart interception on his own 22, Stuart Riding sent off Matt Goode who gave Ade Hales some room down the right wing and he left the defence in his wake to score in the corner and seal the victory. The conversion attempt from Hawken just drifted wide. Lion’s were so much on top, that they were now pushing Preston’s bigger men back in the scrum, and in injury time, Dom Wareing went over in the left corner for his second try and Rugby’s sixth. When the final whistle blew the score had reached an incredible 23-37.

It was a triumph of mind over matter, of belief in what can be done when a team plays in perfect harmony. Matt Goode was voted Rugby’s man of the match by Preston’s sponsors

Supporters Man of the Match Stuart Riding

Preston Grasshoppers: Oliver Viney; Owen McKenna, Paul Bailey, Andrew Barnett, Russell Flynn (Oliver Moore); Gerhard Boshoff (Adam Crisp), Darren Wilson; John Peterson (David Chadwick), Ritchie Sands, Toby Foster (C), Andrew Dockray, Craig Steel, Juan Kraus, Philip Deakin, Glyn Dewhurst, Juan Kraus (Christopher Stone).

Rugby: James Hawken (C), Warren Coles (Pete Glackin), Matt Goode, Tim Douglas (Ade Hales), Dominic Wareing; Glenn Bond, Toby Handley, Chris King (Nick Maxwell), Sam Overton, Tristan Wati, Stuart Riding, Paul Thompson, Wilf Barclay, Alex Nash, Tommy Booth (James Wadey).

Referee: Chris Sharp

Cleckheaton 5 Blaydon 57 1

Hull Ionians 27 1 West Park 15

Leicester Lions 36 1 Morley 12

Macclesfield 33 1 Darlington 16

Orrell 0 Fylde 106 1

Tynedale 67 1 Darlington MP 3

During the week Premier League Rugby decided to back the French clubs who had withdrawn from next season’s European Cup competitions. The RFU said that it would not go to law over the issue, but some payments would not be made.

The quarter-finals of the two competitions were played this weekend with, in the Heineken Cup, Northampton, Leicester, Llanelli and Wasps winning; losers were Biarritz, Stade Francais, Munster and Leinster. In the Challenge Cup, Bath, Clermont Auvergne, Newport Gwent and Saracens got through, beating Bristol, Newcastle, Brive and Glasgow.

England’s Sevens team failed to hang on to the Hong Kong 7s Trophy when they lost 26-0 to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

In National 2 Esher clinched promotion to National1 for the first time with a win over Blackheath.

Easter weekend was a blank date for National Divisions 2 and 3, but Leeds victory at Otley with Rotherham losing at home to Doncaster meant that Leeds would be back in the Premiership for 2007/08. Both Worcester and Northampton lost their games leaving Northampton trailing by two points.

April 14^th was the Lions last home fixture and their opponents were Tynedale, the current league leaders, who were guaranteed either automatic promotion or a play-off. The Lions therefore could have a major influence on who finished in first place, especially if they could win the game.

There were changes from the selection that had beaten Preston so magnificently two weeks earlier. Ade Hales was injured and replaced by Chris Murphy, Glenn Bond was replaced by Pete Glackin, Phil Greenbury returned for his 150^th appearance and Paul Thompson rejoined the second row for his 171^st. Stuart Riding was moved to No.8 with Tommy Booth and Chris King on the bench with Mike Rust and Warren Coles.

On a unseasonably warm and sunny day, with a dust-dry pitch, it seemed more like June than April. Tynedale scored shortly after the kick off with a Massey penalty when Tim Douglas went offside at the first ruck. Rugby came back with a strong push down the right flank, but then lost the first of several lineouts.

Worse was to follow. At the next ruck Wilf Barclay was trapped on the wrong side and was very badly cut above the eye as a result of an ill-directed Tynedale boot.. Unsurprisingly, this drew a reaction from the Rugby players and a brief fracas took place. The referee called the culprit over and most spectators expected the referee to wave his red card, but he only issued a reprimand and warned the two captains. Wilf was forced to leave the field and depart for hospital stitching. James Hawken put the penalty in touch but the lineout was again lost.

Some more adventurous attacks from Rugby were squandered by a poor pass or knock-on promptly returning the initiative to Tynedale. From a lineout on the visitor’s five-metre line, Alex Nash was poised to gather a loose ball close to the try line but he was tackled before he touched it it. Rugby opted to scrum the penalty that was awarded and the ball, having been spun wide, was knocked on by Hawks and the visitors regained control.

At a point when Tynedale were posing no threat, Rugby gifted them a try. The ball was lost at the base of a Lions scrum on half way and this gave Jamie Murray the opportunity to scamper in under the posts. James Hawken had a chance to reduce the deficit but his penalty kick shaved the wrong side of the left post. On a rare visit to the Lion’s 22, the visitors squandered an overlap on their left to bring a scrappy first half to an end with Tynedale leading 0-10

Tynedale got a break soon after half time when Rugby’s weak defensive efforts enabled Dale’s Ben Duncan to add another try, converted by Belgian, for a 17-0 lead. A quick tap and run from Toby Handley was stopped by a Tynedale defender only two metres away but play was allowed to continue with Tynedale eventually being awarded a penalty. More ineffective tackling from Rugby ended with Massey scoring a third try, leaving plenty of time to get the fourth that would give them the all-important bonus point. Matt Goode left the field with blood pouring down his face, but soon returned suitably patched up. Throughout the game the visitors had appeared to be employing a ‘softening up’ style of play on their hosts

Following darting runs from both Nash and Handley close to Dale’s try line, James Wadey crashed over for a very welcome try. Coincidentally, Sam Overton was flattened by a punch from Tynedale’s Grahame Smith. Toby Handley reacted strongly but the referee had noted the incident and immediately produced the red card and Smith departed, not to return.

A neat chip from Handley was fielded by Goode who returned the ball to the scrum half. Handley chipped for a second time but a defender got to the ball first. Michael Rust, on for Murphy, made some strong runs down the left touch-line and seemed likely to score in the corner on one occasion, but was nudged into touch-in-goal before he could get the ball down. Rugby were squeezing 14-man Tynedale at this point, but more knock-ons lost both possession and position. The visitors were desperate to get their fourth try and the bonus point, but Rugby resisted their attacks to deny them the valuable automatic promotion place and the game ended with the score still at 7-24.

Supporters Man of the Match Dom Wareing

Rugby: James Hawken (C); Chris Murphy (Mike Rust), Matt Goode, Tim Douglas (Warren Coles), Dominic Wareing; Peter Glackin, Toby Handley, Phil Greenbury (Chris King), Sam Overton, Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Paul Thompson, Wilf Barclay (Tommy Booth), Alex Nash, Stuart Riding.

Tynedale Will Massey (Hamish Smales); Jack Smales, Jack Harrison, Phil Belgian (C), Ben Duncan; Gavin Beasley, Rupert Neville; Peter Southern, Aaron Charlton (Rob Vickers), Dan Herdman (Douglas Jupp), Graeme Smith, Ben Marshall (Paul Scott), Jamie Murray, Grant Rastall, Andrew Murray (Allan Bateson)..

Referee: Lyr APGeraint Roberts

Blaydon 41 1 Hull Ionians 10

Darlington P Orrell P

Darlington MP 13 Leicester Lions 22 1

Fylde 24 1 Cleckheaton 14

Morley 15 Macclesfield 10 1

West Park 29 1 Preston GH 38 1

The game between Darlington and Orrell was postponed because Orrell were unable to field a team: the game was rescheduled for 28^th April, but it would only be played if the result could have an bearing on relegation.

The last game of the season took the Lions ‘caravan’ up to the north east to play their home opponents from the very first game back in September. Darlington Mowden Park had not had a particularly good season, largely because of their appalling away form, but their place in National 3 North was not threatened. Their home form had saved them and they only been beaten twice at Yiewsley Drive. League leaders, Blaydon had won by a single point and, a week earlier they lost 13-22 to Leicester Lions.

Injuries and absences made for some changes. Paul Thompson was running the London Marathon the following day for Aspire, accompanied by Director of Rugby Mark Ellis. The paucity of second rows brought Flapper out of recent retirement and former colt, Lloyd Saunders got a league debut start. New boy Chris King continued in place of Greengrass, but Captain, Matt Davies returned on the bench. Ade Hales was still injured.

DMP ruled the roost for the first half hour forcing Rugby to play in their own half of the field, with some desperate defence ensuing. The Lions did eventually get into the other half by way of some good driving runs but their maul was eventually halted and the home side given the put-in. Park’s number eight, picking up the ball at the base of the scrum, fed his No.9 Andy Forman who, from his own 22, cut through some limp defence to score a try under the posts. Ben Snook’s conversion gave DMP a 7-0 lead.

Toby Handley’s move mimicked Foreman’s, but although he failed to cross the line, James Wadey and Neil Underhill, were in support with the latter touching down under the posts for a try, converted by James Hawken. Dom Wareing then took off on a mazy run to feed Warren Coles on the left. He looked certain to score, but he was turned into touch two metres short of the line. Half time arrived with the scores level at 7-7.

Lions resumed with greater purpose in the second half but debut boy, Lloyd Saunders knocked the ball on with the try line almost within reach. Rugby then turned the scrum and stole the ball and Tristan Wati’s powerful run enabled Toby Handley to crash through on the blind side and dive over, however the try was disallowed as e had a foot in touch. From the throw-in, Lions rolling maul proved unstoppable and James Wadey got the touch down: Hawks converted for a 7-14 lead. Alex Nash replaced Saunders and Matt Davies took over from Overton and Rugby’s pack began to get the edge on DMP’s, but a lack of coordination in the backs, led to an interception try under the posts for Ian Dixon. Snook converted to level the scores again, at 14-14.

The home side was now struggling to provide good ball up front and James Hawken returned the lead to his side with a penalty when DMP failed to release the ball. Park responded again and, putting the Lions under pressure, they were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts that tied the scores at 17-17. The home side then won a run of penalties and eventually they took for a kick at goal, but the ball was pushed wide of the posts.

Quick ruck ball on the home 22 cleared Glenn Bond to attempt a long pass, but, although it fell short, Dom Wareing took it on the bounce. He passed to James Hawken, who found replacement Michael Rust who was able to round the defence on the outside for an superb try. The reliable Hawken again converted to re-instate Rugby’s seven point lead and also break Glenn Bond’s record number of league conversions in a season.

With the final minutes of added time ticking away it seemed as if Rugby were going to win their last away game, but it was not to be as DMP’s fly-half, Lewis Farrar broke through the defence to score a lovely try under the posts. With kicker Snook now off the field, Lewis also kicked the conversion to tie the match at 24-24.

Supporters Man of the Match Neil Underhill

Darlington Mowden Park: Peter Phelan; Simon Jennions, Ian Dixon, Ben Snook (Craig Slaughter), Adam Hunt (Matt Barker); Lewis Farrar (Adam Crisp), Andrew Foreman; Danny Brown, Mark Darlington, Robert Kilbraier, Chris Wearmouth, Ian Keeligan, Ian Robinson, Robin Fahrenheim, Ben Lonsdale. Subs not used, Richard Littlefair, Alan Jones.

Rugby: James Hawken (C), Chris Murphy, Dominic Wareing, Tim Douglas, Warren Coles (Mike Rust); Glenn Bond, Toby Handley, Chris King (Matt Davies), Sam Overton, Tristan Wati, James Wadey, Neil Underhill, Wilf Barclay (Nick Maxwell), Lloyd Saunders (Alex Nash), Tommy Booth.

Referee: Richard Kelly

Cleckheaton 26 2 Darlington 29 1

Hull Ionians 19 Fylde 48 1

Macclesfield 30 Leicester Lions 26 1

Orrell 17 1 Morley 24

Preston GH 20 1 Blaydon 27 1

Tynedale 28 1 West Park 6

By only securing a draw Rugby remained at fourth place in the National 3 North league table, behind Preston Grasshoppers.

Leicester beat Llanelli and Wasps beat Northampton in the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup

The following Saturday the National 3 and Midlands1/North1play-offs took place together with the postponed game between Orrell and Darlington.

Darlington 77 1 Orrell 0

Westcombe Park 36 Tynedale 20

Beverley 7 Dudley Kingswinford 3

Ealing 48 Cleve 16

Leicester deducted 1 point for fielding an ineligible player

On Saturday 5^th May the semi finals of the Guinness Premiership took place with wins for Gloucester and Leicester; Saracens and Bristol were the losers.

The final took place on a week later at Twickenham when Gloucester were soundly beaten by 44 points to 16.

Leicester were in contention for a record treble on May 19^th when they encountered London Wasps in the final of the Heineken Cup in front of a record Twickenham crowd of 82,500. The Tigers were hot favourites but on the day the Wasps played a faultless game and won convincingly by 25-9.

In the final of the European Challenge Cup which took place at The Stoop on the same weekend Bath lost 22-16 to French club Clermont Auvergne

At the Players Annual Dinner on 4^th May, the following awards were presented to the senior players by Richard Cockerill. The former England international and Lions Coach was guest speaker for the evening.

1st XV Player's Player of the Season: Toby Handley

Supporters Player of the Season: Toby Handley

Top points scorer James Hawken (266 league points)

Top try scorer: Ade Hales (18 league tries)

Most appearances: Alex Nash & Dom Wareing (26 league)

U19 Colts Players Player of the Season: David Barclay

Colts Coaches Player of the Season: Brett Ford

Top points scorer was Johnny Bean, with Sean Fereday and James Goodfellow the joint top try scorers.

The most improved Back was James McGill and the Forwards prize was shared by Andy McKenzie & Kes Ikoghu

For the Lions U17's, the 'Cubs', the Players Player of the Season was Robert Bollon, whilst the Coaches Player of the Season award went to JT - James Thananagen