Further Knockout Progress for the Lions

Following the defeat of Earlsdon in the previous round the Lions progressed further with an ultimately comfortable 38-5 win over visitors Nottingham Casuals, scoring 6 tries and a nicely symmetrical 19 points in each half.

In rainy and windy conditions, the home side played fast, attractive rugby against an outfit that were extremely competitive and combative for an hour, especially in the forwards. The Lions scored first through Will Fallows, converted by Sam Wilson for a 7-0 lead but Casuals were back in it after a further 4 minutes with a well-worked, unconverted try. However, the rapid exchanges continued and Rich Pennock went over following a period of extreme pressure on the home defence, again converted by Wilson for a 14-5 lead.

By this point the Lions back-row were dominating the loose ball and the backs were running the show. It was no great surprise when a move from right to left saw Fallows give a fine pass to allow a loitering Doolittle in for a trademark try and 19-5 at the break.

The home side continued to dominate in the second half against often brave resistance from the visitors. A fine run and try by George Tildesley followed by a Wilson conversion pushed the Lions further out after 8 minutes of the half and 8 minutes later the contest was effectively over with a well-worked try by Owen Williams, whose speed of thought and game management were excellent throughout. A fine conversion from wide on the left by Wilson made it 33-5. Finally, a second try by Pennock, again after sustained pressure, sealed the win.This was a fine win, against a side who didn’t give up and showed great heart.

There were good performances in the front row, where young Tom Partridge continues his development and in the back row, but the win was constructed at half-back where young Tibbo and Williams were too sharp for their opposite numbers across the pitch.
Next week it is back to league action where the Lions know they have to improve and move up the table.

JON DEWS