James Wilsher-AikenJames Wilsher-Aiken
James Wilsher-Aiken

RUGBY: Spirited performance by Rugby Lions at Syston

Pictures by Ray Andrews

Midlands 1 East

Syston 33 Rugby Lions 0

Rugby Lions latest league encounter involved a trip to Syston, who are clearly the best team in the league with a 100% record and averaging over 48 points scored in their home games this season, writes Dave Rushall.

Syston took an early lead when a cross kick aimed for touch failed to reach its target. This put fullback Theo Knight under severe pressure, and his attempted clearance kick was charged down.

The ball crossed the try line near the uprights and one of a number of chasers managed to drop on the ball.

The conversion was good for an early 7-0 lead for the home side.

The remainder of the first period was fairly even with the Lions tackling the strong running hosts manfully.

Indeed, they got to within five metres of the home try line on quite a few occasions, but just failed to capitalise on their chances.

They did cross the whitewash when Chris Wood slipped the ball to Josh Lockley who scampered over under the posts, but were denied by a very dubious forward pass decision.

Syston ended the first period strongly with a number of strong drives, but were just denied by some staunch defence from the Lions.

The half time score was just 7-0 to Syston.

With the strong wind now in their favour, Syston increased their lead early in the second half with a forward drive and you could sense that all the commitment put in by the Lions in the first period with their defensive effort was beginning to take its toll.

A similar score followed shortly after and Lion’s supporters were beginning to fear the worst.

A strong run from inside their own 22 by the home side was halted five metres short, but the support was on hand to complete the score and secure the try bonus point.

A short lineout by the home side was fed back to the thrower who scampered up the touchline for another try, superbly converted from wide out.

It was backs to the wall now for the visitors with still fifteen minutes to play, but their heads never went down, despite picking up a few injuries on the way.

Despite the score line, this was a spirited performance by the Lions as only once this season have Syston failed to register the four-try bonus point.

With a ten-point lead at the top of the table, 18 wins from 18 games now and 17 try-bonus points, Syston look unstoppable for the title.

This Saturday Lions welcome 11th-placed Towcestrians to Webb Ellis Road for a 2.15pm kick off.

Towcestrians visit on the back of a 17-8 defeat away from home last weekend at Peterborough, who are now in tenth spot.

Lions are ninth in the table with nine wins and 44 points from their 19 games so far.

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