RUGBY PICTURES: Rugby Lions v Market Harborough

Midlands 1 East: Market Harborough 26 Rugby Lions 20

In a tough contest at Harborough’s impressive facilities, Lions worked hard to get into a deserved winning position, but then presented the hosts with an early Christmas present in trying to run the ball out of their own twenty two, writes Dave Rushall.

Two early penalties by Kris McFedries gave the visitors an early lead, but Harborough’s huge pack then began to influence proceedings. A try from a nice backs move and a penalty saw the hosts lead 13-6 at the break.

Lions dominated territory in the second half. An early kickable penalty was put into touch for a catch and drive. The ball was duly won, and the drive was on, Ben Nuttall claiming the score, converted by McFedries to level.

A rare visit into Lions’ territory saw the hosts restore their lead with a penalty.

After a yellow card for a deliberate Harborough knock-on, for which a penalty try could arguably have been awarded, Mike Howe and Phil Reed combined well to feed Andy Morrison on the right touch line to dive over for the next try, superbly converted by McFedries.

With a four-point lead and only eight minutes remaining, all Lions had to do was keep possession. But for some reason they decided to go wide, and an inside pass on their twenty two was easily intercepted by the home fly-half who probably couldn’t believe his luck. Another late penalty completed the scoring.

Very frustrating for the Lion’s players and supporters, with the one losing bonus point scant reward for their efforts.

This week the Lions host Melbourne, ko 2.15pm.