LIONS FAIL IN CUP OPENER

Following last week’s successful friendly at Malvern the Lions entered their first competitive challenge in the Cup away at league rivals Shrewsbury. A ragged display, particularly in attack, led to a disappointing defeat in a game they knew they could and should have won.
Missing the dynamic Scotty Langdon at 8, the loss of Charlie Harris after a mere 15 mins only exacerbated the problem. However, with the defensive side of their game working well, the Lions managed to repel the home attacks and make inroads themselves and a try came after a period of pressure at the end of the first quarter. A series of attacks from a lineout 30mtrs from the home line led to a fine backs move with Will Fallows scoring an unconverted try wide on the left.

Most of the rest of the half was uneventful save for a penalty on the half hour by Shrews to reduce the deficit and a try right on half-time to give them an 8-5 lead. Although defensive strength allowed few chances for the home backs their try came from hesitation in midfield leading to the Lions being outflanked down their right. In attack phases were difficult to develop owing to the number of handling errors, particularly knock-ons at crucial points.

The second half made grim reading although the defence again held up well, conceding only 1 try with about 10 mins to go. Again, however, continuity was poor, with a knock-on or dropped ball severely hampering the flow of attacks. A Sam Wilson penalty at the start of the final quarter did briefly bring the side back level and there were a number of useful if ultimately failed attacks on the home line. The winning try came from a collection of mistakes in the Lions 22 just after a series of promising moves had ended with yet another knock-on deep in the home half. A poor scrum allowed the ball to shoot out of the side of the scrum and the Shrews back row took full advantage.

The Lions return to action with their first league game on 12th September. This result, while not disastrous, will ask some questions about ball retention, which was poor, leading to a lack of continuity, and indecisive decision-making at key points in the game. The backs needed more ball and at times were hurried by the home rush defence but greater concentration on the basics of retention should improve things. A disappointing loss but one that gives clear indications of where the Lions need to develop.

JON DEWS