SECOND STRAIGHT WIN AT WOLVES

The Lions won again on the road at Wolves in a close game, 7-5 that ultimately should not have been. The Lions controlled most of the game apart from isolated patches of pressure from the home side and should have been 10-15 points ahead by the end.

As it was, despite pressure from the Lions in the first 10 mins, going close on several occasions, it was Wolves that scored first, a fine try from their outstanding player, the full back, who chipped and chased and won the race to the ball after 10 mins. An easy conversion missed and the rest of the half belonged to the Lions.

Josh Trinham touched down twice in 15 mins with the referee giving a forward pass on both occasions, the second in particular drawing howls of protest from the Lions supporters. Eventually, after 30 mins, a fine move orchestrated by Robinson ended with a fine try down the Lions left, again by Josh Trinham, who is now well into double figures for tries. A great conversion from near the touchline by Ben Trinham provided the final score of the game, although the Lions went close several times in the second half.

Wolves strengthened their pack in the second half and became much more competitive up front. Wolves upped their physicality trying to coerce the young Stourbridge backs. The Lions admirably coped with this and, with memories of being robbed at the end of the first game between the 2 sides, tightened up their defence and played the last 15 mins in the Wolves half. A well merited win in which Sam Robinson and Rich Pennock were outstanding and Sam Strangward got around to good effect.

It isn’t too soon to say that the Lions will be in this league next season and will benefit from a further year of experience for a number of players. The backs now look to be able to choose from around 8-10 players and the key now is to improve fitness and coordination for next season when, with some good fortune, a tilt at the top 3 may well be within our compass.

JON DEWS