LIONS MAKE HARD WORK OF BEATING HANDSWORTH

With players still missing since the cup-final defeat to Wolverhampton, the Lions struggled to subdue Handsworth at home, finally scoring a bonus point try to win 25-23. Even then the away side had a penalty chance to win it but the ball went wide of the posts.

The game, played in wet and windy conditions, saw Handsworth take the lead with a penalty after various handling errors from both sides. However, two tries, one converted, firstly by Alex Wallings and a second glorious one by Will Fallows, gave the home side a 12-3 lead and a seemingly comfortable gap up to half-time.

Whether it was complacency or the fact that Handsworth threw caution to the wind but 3 tries, one converted, gave them a 20-15 lead at half-time. Powerful running by big backs and forwards, combined with poor Lions tackling, contributed to this.

The Lions picked themselves up after half-time with a further try from skipper Doolittle that brought them back level. It was a hard and scrappy slog from then on in worsening, muddy conditions, with Handsworth taking the lead again with a penalty for a 3-point lead.
The Lions made one big effort to get in front with 10 minutes left. Driving into their opponents half they won a penalty and kicked for the corner. Here an inspired substitution by auxiliary coach and physio, Will James, in bringing Harry Wainwright on for his first game in a month, bore fruit. A catch and drive from the line-out was supplemented on its way to the line by several of the Lions backs and the whole melee collapsed over the line with Wainwright clutching the ball.

Still time for Handsworth to have another pot at goal but a miss and solid defence by the Lions in the final few minutes saw them home with maximum bonus points. A typical end of season game with the Lions left with nothing to play for but position in mid-table and the visitors still scrapping for survival. The next game is at home to probable champions Moseley Oak on Wednesday.