Final Upset for the Lions

So the Lions lost 16-5 at the final hurdle and Twickenham is still a step too far for the Lions for the third time. However, amongst the bruised bodies and tired limbs will be the knowledge that they put up a valiant fight and pushed the home side to the limit. Against the wind in the first half the Lions kept Wolverhampton to only 3 penalty goals and after going down to a converted try early in the second to be behind 16-0 they scored their own try and the final points of the match.

The game began into the wind but the first pressure was exerted by the Lions as the forced their way to the home 22. As before this season, however, a ball lost in the tackle allowed Wolves some respite and they kicked the ball deep into the Lions half where an infringement gave the Wolves 10 the chance to open the scoring. Thereafter ferocious tackling and good work at the breakdown kept the Lions in the half.

The rest of the first half was a closely contested affair, as much conducted in the home half as not. However, the Lions failed to capitalise on several good moves and field positions and two further penalties gave Wolves a 9-0 half-time lead that didn’t reflect the efforts the Lions put into the game.

The second half opened disastrously, with the Lions conceding an early try from a tap penalty after consistent Wolves pressure; the big inside centre going in under the posts for a converted try. The Lions might have been forgiven for giving up at this point and another big win for the home side seemed possible.

At this point, which shows plenty of promise for the future, the whole team picked themselves up and turned the game into a real war of attrition, putting severe pressure on the Wolves 22 and line in a series of attacks. To the home side’s credit, their defence was effective and on the few occasions that the Lions saw the line a dropped ball or turnover, compounded by giving away a couple of penalties, kept them out.

After 30 minutes, however, the Lions finally got the try their pressure deserved. A drive to the line, aided by several backs, ended with James Meakin going over for an unconverted try. The Lions continued to make the running and missed a penalty attempt but the game finally meandered to the close with both defences in control.

A great attempt by the Lions against the odds and in front of a big crowd, with appreciable and much appreciated support from Stourbridge. This again bodes well for next season, with a strong squad that can go places. Good luck to Wolves in the next game.

JON DEWS