Lions hold nerve to foil game Hornets

By MICHAEL HOWKINS

Leicester L……..28pts

Hornets…………… 17pts

LEICESTER Lions picked up where they left off last season as they launched their 2022/23 campaign with a good win at home to Hornets.

Having finished last term with an excellent run of eight consecutive wins, Lions welcomed Hornets to Westleigh Park for their first visit following their promotion to this level.

Lions played up the slope in the first half, but with the wind at their backs. The game started with a session of even and balanced play, although neither side managed to get as far as approaching the opposition try line.

After ten minutes, Lions broke out from their own half, shifting the ball to Devon Constant, who outpaced the Hornets defence and slipped the ball to James Stubbs, who ran in for the opening try, converted by Ben Young.

Lions started to take control of the game, taking their own line-out. The ensuing rolling maul allowed Nick Cairns to drive over for a typical number eight try, taking the score to 12-0.

Run in: Reuben Brown scores for Hornets

Lions again took their own line-out for another maul, with Augy Clark burrowing through for the third try of the afternoon.

Again, Lions’ driving play allowed them to move play towards the Hornets’ line and slip the ball to Stubbs, who scurried over for the fourth try of the half, giving the hosts a commanding 22-0 lead at the break.

Alex Wilcockson had a lovely run down the right wing, but he was bundled into touch by Hornets’ defence to stop him scoring.

But four tries and a bonus point was a decent return for Lions’ first-half efforts. They were hopeful that they might stretch their lead in the second half, but a determined Hornets side showed their grit with a determined comeback.

Hornets started the second half by putting Lions under pressure and a driving maul led to Ross Cheeseborough going over for their first try of the game, with Jamie Elswood adding the conversion. Another surging run by Lions’ Wilcockson was called back for a forward pass.

Driving seat: Leicester Lions celebrate Augy Clark’s try

PICTURES: Steve Ingers

After 47 minutes, Lions conceded a penalty that Elswood slipped between the posts for Hornets to make the score 22-10. In the 62nd minute, Young kicked a penalty for Lions. This was quickly followed by a smart move by Hornets from the restart, with Oscar Browne going over for their second try, converted by Elswood, closing the gap to 25-17.

Hornets put Lions under pressure, but the defence held out. With the last play of the game, Young added his second penalty to make it 28-17.

After an impressive first half by Lions, the second period saw a gutsy comeback by Hornets.

And Hornets head coach Jon Richardson said: “Lions played well in the first half, but it was an excellent spirited comeback by Hornets after the break. It was good to know that we can compete at National League 2 level.”

Lions head coach Gareth Collins said: “It was good the way we played in the first half, continuing our form from last season. But many congratulations to Hornets, who forced their way back after the interval, testing us.”