Match report 9/12/23

The Lions struggled in a contest that saw them dominate both possession and territory and it was the home side who gained a bonus point win.DMP scored first through a Garry Law penalty but it was the Lions who dominated the early exchanges. Opting to go to the corner on a penalty, the Lions had a series of 5m lineouts but the home side defended their line successfully. As has been typical of the matches of late, the Lions then conceded upon their opponents first visit to their 22, when centre Harry Yates crashed through from close range. Law converted for a 7-0 lead.The Lions regained the territory for the remainder of the first half but resolute defence, and some inaccurate attacking play, kept the score at 10-0 to the home side.DMP struck first again in the second half when a clever chip from Law just inside his own half was regathered by Yates who scored in the corner. With the deficit now 15 points Dan Lewis decided to reduce the arrears on 54 minutes with a penalty kick (15-3).The job to get back in to the contest became even harder for the Lions when Simon Johnson received a yellow card for a high tackle. The home side made use of the man advantage with Max Fraine crossing at the back of a catch and drive only minutes later. Law converted to stretch the lead further (22-3).The Lions pressed for a consolation score but, when trying to attack wide from their own 22m line, the ball was intercepted by Callum Pascoe who ran in under the posts. The bonus point try for the home side was converted by Law (29-3).Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''It was a disappointing day today. We were off, and if you're off at this level you lose. That is a lesson we've learned a few times this season. We had chances again though and had we shown some accuracy in the first half we could have gone in at least level and the contest may have played out differently. As much as we dominated the ball and field position it's about what you do in the two red zones, and today DMP won those two areas and therefore deserved the result. We'll put today behind us pretty quickly though and focus on a big game back at home next week.''