LIONS MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD & TOP SPOT

The Lions maintained their top status with another bonus point win at home to Veseyans by 48-12. A 7 try performance was marred somewhat by the sending off of the skipper, Charlie Harris, just before half time. 26-0 up at the time, the Lions have developed enough momentum and confidence this season to have coped with this set-back comfortably but the skipper will be missed, especially next week at second placed Camp Hill.

First half tries by George Tildesley, Will Hollis, Max Fellows and Will King put the Lions well ahead after 30 mins, added to by 3 Trinham conversions in a fluid display from the backs, supported by hardworking forward effort. A blip after the sin-binning of Doolittle and Harris’ dismissal saw Veseyans reduce the arrears to 26-7 by half-time.

It was clear that the Lions needed to add to the gap as soon as the second half kicked off and Tildesley duly delivered his second try, this one the move of the match with the forwards stealing a lineout and the ball passing through several sets of hands from just outside the Lions 22, Tildesley’s trademark burst burning off the cover on his way to the posts. Trinham’s conversion put the score up to 33-7 and his penalty soon after put them 36-7 ahead. This effectively ended the contest, although Veseyans did strive manfully to counter thereafter.

Trinham capped another influential display with a break and try from a ruck after an hour and then the hat-trick try for Tildesley after another burst left the Lions at 48-7. Credit Veseyans, they refused to go down and close to the end they scored an unconverted try to end the game at 48-12 to keep the Lions top.

Another hugely satisfying win for the Lions as the early pacesetters in Mid 2 went through the full repertoire of moves. The next game is the big early one, with the Lions fetching up at Camp Hill and their big pack. Should be a thriller given good weather and a hard pitch in South Birmingham.

Jon Dews