LEICESTER LIONS RFC 17 v DMPRFC 62

The ten try haul was executed with patience and precision, with creditable performances throughout all twenty DMPRFC players.

To be fair to Leicester Lions RFC, as expected, they relied heavily on the power of their scrummage and initially this ploy was evident and was working, as they scored though pick and drives from a scrum five metres out (5 – 0). The try was converted (7 – 0).

DMPRFC responded immediately as the versatile Callum MACKENZIE, playing wing from the start, powered his way over in the corner, after good preparation by backs and forwards (7 – 5). Fly half Grant CONNON converting from wide out (7 – 7).

Leicester Lions responded in kind five minutes later, when another powerful scrum on the five metre line was thwarted illegally and the official had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try to the home side (12 – 7). The lick under the posts was a formality (14 – 7).

Again, it didn’t take long for the visitors to hit back, when a passage of interpassing from a quick tap penalty by scrum half Andrew SMITH, saw blindside flanker Ollie HODGSON break through the home defence, to score near the posts (14 – 12). Grant CONNON adding the extras (14 – 14).

It seemed that Leicester Lions would again register a score, as they confidently set themselves up for it with another attacking five metre scrum. Having been under initial pressure in that facet of the game, DMPRFC had other ideas and took the ball against the head, which was a pivotal moment in the game, as Leicester Lions main weapon seemed to have been neutralised.

Adding to the woes of the home side, a 30 metre maul by the visitors, looked to have been brought down illegally by Leicester Lions, however, it carried on and prop Ralph APPLEBY emerged as the scorer (14 – 19), to take DMPRFC ahead for the first time in the game.

Leicester did kick a penalty (17 – 19), but again DMPRFC had the last laugh before oranges, as fast hands through several players found winger Chris McTURK, who sped in for the score (17 – 24).

So at the break, honours were pretty even and even with a hint of tiredness about the Leicester Lions front five, however what followed after the break, could not have been predicted.

As the players emerged from the dressing room, the next score was all important and it came after only three minutes of the re-start, as hooker Ross DONEGHAN scored from a well executed catch and drive from a lineout (17 – 29).

In the first half, the routine to be followed after that would be a response from the home side, however from then on, they never looked the same team and DMPRFC realised this and began to rack up the scores with a brilliant display of open, running rugby, which quite simply Leicester Lions could not match.

Full back Henry ROBINSON scored the first of his three tries next, after concerted pressure breached the home defence, allowing him through (17 – 34). Centre Gavin PAINTER taking over the kicking duties and registering with the conversion (17 - 36).

No. 8 Guy van den DRIES scored wide out , again after good support play and fast hands (17 – 41), with Gavin PAINTER adding the extras (17 – 43).

Perhaps the try of the game was scored by replacement scrum half Max CONNON. The try came from a rare attack from the home side, who made yardage into the visitors twenty two, only to knock the ball on. Playing advantage, Chris McTURK snapped up the ball and set off on a mazy run to the half way line. With Henry ROBINSON in support, the two exchanged passes mid flow, with Chris McTURK finding Max CONNON on hand for the scoring pass in the corner, finishing off an 85 metre passage of play (17 – 48).

It was all DMPRFC at this stage, with Leicester Lions doing their level best to stem the tide.

Full back Henry ROBINSON scored his brace 10 minutes later (17 – 53) with Gavin PAINTER converting (17 – 55). He tenaciously completed his hatrick of tries just before the final whistle (17 – 60), with just enough time for another Gavin PAINTER conversion (17 – 62).

A comprehensive away victory at a traditionally difficult venue and thoughts of the next tough fixture ahead...................................... home to Stourbridge RFC.