Rugby Lions U8s braved the first windy drizzly Sunday morning of the season to play Old Coventrians away. The weather was indifferent and a reminder to players, coaches and parents alike that winter is coming and to dust off the long-johns and waterproofs! Of course, Rugby players are not put off by a bit of wind and rain.

Lions played three cracking matches against OCs and deservedly came away the victors drawing one and winning two games. With a magnificent total try tally of 15, Lions can be proud of their hard work and determination. The pace was fast and the play was exciting with every member of the squad making an important contribution, whether it was keeping the defensive line tight or pushing up in attack. Well done Lions!

Try scorers were: Aidan Wardle – 3; Ben Downing– 2; Tom Partridge – 5; Jack Wooliscroft – 1; Dan Wilding – 1; Elliott Marshall – 1; Calum Hopkins – 2

Rugby Lions under 9s gave an impressive display to win all three of their matches against away at Old Coventrians.

1^st game result – Won 2-0.

In damp and dismal conditions the Lions dominated the opposition, restricting the OCs to their own half. After several mazy runs from Joul Saunders the pressure was rewarded when Jacob Hardy-King scampered over the line to open the Lions’ account.

In the second half Matty Tildesley came on as replacement and made an immediate impact with his crunching tackles. Several times the Lions pressed with Oran Aske-Haley and Jack Cave making good yardage on their runs. This was finished off by Matty Tildesley scoring a well-earned try.

2^nd game result – Won 3-2

In this close encounter Rugby Lions showed strength in depth as Caitlin Revan pressed Lions forward with surging runs. Jamie Carwardine was excellent in defence forcing OCs to make numerous errors and allowing Oliver Lee to sneak the ball out to his team mates, including Kieran Lorimer playing in his debut game for the Lions. With Rugby Lions camped on the OCs line for what seemed an eternity, it was only a matter of time until Jamie Carwardine and then Jacob Hardy-King crossed the line to add to the Lions account.

In an even second half Lions swapped tries with OCs. Lions showed their overall power through Oran Aske-Haley, Robert Jupp and Jordi Pockell. Lions finished off the OCs with a deciding try by Jordi Pocknell.

3^rd game result – Won 2-1

After a frantic start the Lions rush defence subdued OCs. There was fine tackling from Ben Clayton, Zak Wright and Ran Scott.

This was matched with barrelling runs from Caitlin Revan and Robert Jupp. Jack Cave, Matty Tildesley and Oliver Lee showed strong rucking which made sure there was a constant supply of ball. Findlay Williamson, Dominic Deery and Jacob Hardy-King pressed home this advantage with their attacking play. Findlay Williamson finished off a fine performance with two tries.

Well done to all the U9s. Good luck next week against Old Leamingtonians.

The Under 10's came up against a big and well organised Old Coventrians side on a wet and heavy pitch. Despite some heroic defending by the young Lions, Old Coventrians ran out convincing winners in the first match.

The Lions took a good look at themselves during the interval and were a revelation in the second game. The big OC's pack won most of the set pieces and the Lions had to fight for every scrap of ball. Liam Wardle moved the ball out quickly and Ed Hands and Oliver O'Connor bravely took on the OC's back line time and time again. Ross Smillie was a tiger in the tackle and Liam Deery was always in the action. William Davis was tireless in the ruck, winning and recycling ball for the team. The three new players, Mathew Maclellan, James Stewart and Lewis Bloxham deserve special mention. Despite their limited experience all three showed great skill and ability and are clearly going to be great players in the future. The whole team combined in one fast, sweeping move, passing the ball from man to man to send Tom Doherty over for a wonderful try. Unfortunately the Lions couldn't prevent a couple of solo breakaway tries from the big OC's backs, but came away from Coventry with pride intact and heads held high.

When the Under 10's play to their strengths - passing the ball around their fast and mobile players - they are more than a match for anyone.

The Under 10's don't have a big squad at present, so now is the time for all players to make themselves available. New players are always welcome.

Lions played scintillating Rugby to beat a brave but outgunned Buckby side on Sunday. The forwards rucked and mauled strongly to provide a steady flow of quality ball for their exciting backs to put on a display of quality running Rugby football.  Rugby are blessed with a number of very fast players at the moment but none more so than Jonny Ure and Shaun Smith both of whom are ridiculously fast.  Rugby simply had too much power and pace all over the field although the home side deserves credit for fighting right up to the final whistle.  Rugby’s tries were scored by Shaun Smith (4), Stitch Loydall (2), Zac Baldwin (2) and one each from Jonny Ure and James Scott with Zac Baldwin kicking 4 conversions and Harry Parsons kicking 3 conversions. Peter Harris was voted Man of the Match although Shaun Smith, Ben Warman and Zac Baldwin ran him close.

On a damp and winding morning the Rugby lions Under 15’s finally got to play Buckby. Playing up hill against the wind the boys came out of the blocks running soaking up initial pressure from Buckby a Rhys charge down soon became the opening points as Craig touched down in the corner - unconverted. Thrust in to action Buckby came back giving the Lions a lesson in ruck and scrum. Ten minutes passed before the boys turned defence into attacked. Finally taking a scrum the Lions broke out of there own 22 and careered down the pitch to score their second try, Craig doing the honours – unconverted. This reversed pressure seemed to change the game and within 5 minutes the squad had set Craig up again after an excellent demonstration of power, recycle and soft hands – unconverted. To take something from this half Buckby decided to collect points from a soft penalty given by the Lions in front of the posts ending the first half on 3 – 15.

The decision to kick the penalty rather than put it through the forwards seemed to fuel the Lions and from the beginning of the second half they dominated. Going back to basics within 10 minutes the boys had crossed the line three times. Aaron opening the scoring finishing off a powerful forwards break followed by debutant Ryan after good hands set him off on a lightening run and then Jack crashing through after breaking off the back of a 5m scrum – all unconverted. Looking to score at will the next came from a clever chip and chase from Louis being touched down by the ever present Craig – unconverted. The amazing try of the game (of which we will never here the end of) came from Sam Howells. Taking the returning kick off he proceeded to carve his way through the Buckby team to give Louis the easiest of conversion touching down under the posts. Though the Buckby showed continued determination the Lions were soon over again following a superb team effort – unconverted. As the first half came to a close so did the second, this time the Lions being the recipient of a penalty in front of the posts, but this time being converted into 7 points after a thunderous run from Luke was finished off by Louis.

A great all round team performance with Aaron taking the man of the match for his leadership skills.