The Lions are now 9th with 6 wins and a draw from 13 games, a source of real satisfaction for coaches and players alike. The first few minutes saw serious pressure from the away side, with their forwards in powerful drives towards the Stour line. However, strong line defence kept them at bay and the superior speed and back play of the home outfit led to the opening try on 10 minutes. A stolen lineout sparked a 50 metre backs move which resulted in George Tildesley going over on the right for a 5-0 lead. The power of the Lutterworth pack was soon in evidence and the referee awarded a penalty try on 20 minutes after a driven lineout to the line.

Back came the Lions almost immediately; a lineout on half-way led to a sequence of phases ending with a sharp break and pass from Rhys Williams that put Cass Brookes over near the posts. The conversion from Sam Wilson gave the Lions a 12-7 lead. There then followed a period of competitive play, with both sides having their moments, but just before the half an unconverted try on the Lions’ left saw Lutterworth level.
The second half opened with a bang and prop Tim Daly went over, again from a lineout and good continuity from the forwards. The conversion from Wilson stretched the lead and then a quick turnover 3 minutes later saw Ross Williams go over for an unconverted try and a 24-12 lead. This quick scoring left the away side needing to regroup, which was not helped by a Wilson penalty 10 minutes later for 27-12.

Credit to Lutterworth, back they came with an unconverted try to get to 10 points behind and at this point they were still a huge threat. Another Wilson penalty took the Lions to 30 points but back came Lutterworth with a converted try to reduce the deficit to only 6 points.
The Lions were in a difficult position with around 15 minutes remaining; did they hold out or go for further scores? To their great credit they went for it. A further penalty from Wilson after much Lions’ pressure took them to 33-24 and a rousing finale saw Ross Williams pounce on a loose ball from Lutterworth mistake just outside the away 22 and get on the end to score a converted try.

A fully merited win against a tough and uncompromising team now leaves the Lions 16 points clear of the relegation places and with survival very much in their own hands. More hard games are on their way, but they have made a very good start to life in Midlands 1.

Match Report by JON DEWS, pics by SIAN DAVIES