Lions lose entertaining game with Richmond

Leicester Lions 22 Richmond 35

Richmond struck first, scoring straight from the kick off when Luke Springs finished following a number of phases. The try was converted by Sean Kerr for an early 0-7 lead.The rest of the first half was dominated by the Lions and they had a number of good scoring chances including winger Toby Cousins getting over the line only to be adjudged to have knocked on in the process of scoring. Dan Lewis kicked a penalty for the home side though to leave the half time score 3-7.The visitors started the second half the same as the first when a loose kick was capitalised on and a try scored in the corner by winger James Whitehouse. The lead was then extended shortly after when scrum half Luc Jones crossed after some efficient play in the Lions 22. Both tries were converted by Kerr to take the score to 3-21.The game then swung from one way to the other as the Lions threw caution to the wind. The deficit was cut after centre Charlie Myall made an impressive line break to score under the posts which Lewis converted.Richmond hit back immediately though as they again won their own kick off and Alex Post went in from distance to secure the try bonus point. The result was secured shortly after when replacement prop Ntinga Mpiko crossed from close range. Kerr converted both for a commanding 10-35 lead.The Lions finished strongly though and replacement full back Joe Brock powered over after some attractive and expansive rugby by the hosts, and then second row Geordie Irvine galloped in from distance for his second try in as many games. Lewis converted both.The Lions pushed for a fourth try, that would of earned them two well deserved and much needed bonus points, and it seemed they were going to get it when James Stubbs made a line break with the last play of the game but a slap down by the last defender prevented an almost certain score. A frustrating end to another frustrating game for the Lions.