Match report 18/11/23

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   Lions win bottom of the table clash

Taunton Titans 17 Leicester Lions 27

The Lions travelled to Taunton sat at the foot of the National 1 table but knowing that victory would lift them at least above their opponents.
It was the Lions who had the first opportunity when a turnover from the kick off gave them their first visit to the Taunton 22. The lineout was won by the new man, Lewis Chessum, who joined the side this week on a dual registration from Leicester Tigers, but the pack was unable to get the maul over the line and following a number of phases the home side eventually forced a turnover of their own.
The home side then had their first visit to the Lions 22 but this time it was the Lions who showed resolute defence to keep them out. An early injury to tight head prop Aaron Dawson meant that Beltus Nonleh came in to the action a lot earlier than expected.
Following a missed penalty by Francisco Diaz Dart, Taunton did finally break the Lions defence on 22 minutes when second row Ben Oliphant-Thomson crashed over from close range following a number of pick and go attempts. This time Diaz-Dart was on target with the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The Lions responded well though, scoring almost immediately afterwards, when some good attacking play released winger Will Glister who raced clear of the covering defence to score out wide. Dan Lewis converted to bring the scores level (7-7).
Unfortunately the young Northampton Saint turned from hero to villain a few minutes later when his outstretched arm prevented what the officials saw as a clear line break opportunity so his knock-on was upgraded to a penalty and a yellow card. The Lions held firm during this period though and a successful long range penalty attempt from Lewis actually extended their lead just prior to half time to give them a 7-10 lead at the break.
Taunton drew level just after half time through a Diaz penalty (10-10) but it was the Lions who dominated the majority of the second half which saw much more attacking rugby from both sides compared to the relatively cagey first half.
The Lions scored the first try of the entertaining second half on 49 minutes when the hugely impressive 18 year old Leicester Tigers centre Charlie Myall broke through and beat the covering defence to cross out wide. This time Lewis was unable to convert (10-15).
The Lions had an extremely strong bench and this really made a difference to proceedings. Nonleh had provided huge impact with his carries and he was joined by fellow Northampton Saints man Craig Wright at hooker who, along with Coventry Rugby youngster Fin Ogden at scrum half, provided fresh legs and impetus in to the Lions attack.
They were joined shortly afterwards by Simon Johnson who made a crucial turnover in his own half with the home side looking dangerous. The Lions then launched an attack of their own and winger Jake Sterland crossed in the corner following some great handling across the back line once again. Lewis failed with the wide conversion again to leave the Lions with a 10 point advantage (10-20) with 10 minutes to go.
The home side threw caution to the wind and were rewarded when scrum half Jordan Petherbridge made a break from a breakdown on half way and it was finished off by replacement back-row Will De Boehmler. The try was converted by Diaz-Dart to set up a tense finish (17-20).
Last week it was the Lions who lost a bonus point in the last minute when Rosslyn Park scored a fourth try but this time it was the Lions who gained their bonus point try with the last play and in doing so denied their hosts a point. It was through another replacement, full-back Joe Brock, who gratefully received a lovely offload from man-of-the-match Dan Lewis to cross out wide. Lewis kicked the conversion for a 17-27 victory.
Due to Sale also losing the Lions jumped above both them and Taunton to go 12th in the table. They have the opportunity to climb another place when they face 11th placed Bishop Stortford at home next weekend.
Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''I thought we were excellent today. Everyone was well aware of how big a game it was for both clubs and it certainly had a bit of a cup final feel to it. It's never easy being the away side in these games so I was impressed with how we managed to control most of the contest. Once we hit our straps second half we played some really good attacking rugby too. Today was all about the result so we're delighted with the 5 points. We now have a run of games up to Christmas that we can go in to with loads of confidence and hopefully improve our league position.''

Edited by tigerburnie - 19 Nov 2023 at 19:22

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tigerburnie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List World Cup Winner Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 3807	Post Options Post Reply Quote tigerburnie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Match report 18/11/23 Posted: 19 Nov 2023 at 19:20
	Lions win bottom of the table clash Taunton Titans 17 Leicester Lions 27 The Lions travelled to Taunton sat at the foot of the National 1 table but knowing that victory would lift them at least above their opponents. It was the Lions who had the first opportunity when a turnover from the kick off gave them their first visit to the Taunton 22. The lineout was won by the new man, Lewis Chessum, who joined the side this week on a dual registration from Leicester Tigers, but the pack was unable to get the maul over the line and following a number of phases the home side eventually forced a turnover of their own. The home side then had their first visit to the Lions 22 but this time it was the Lions who showed resolute defence to keep them out. An early injury to tight head prop Aaron Dawson meant that Beltus Nonleh came in to the action a lot earlier than expected. Following a missed penalty by Francisco Diaz Dart, Taunton did finally break the Lions defence on 22 minutes when second row Ben Oliphant-Thomson crashed over from close range following a number of pick and go attempts. This time Diaz-Dart was on target with the conversion for a 7-0 lead. The Lions responded well though, scoring almost immediately afterwards, when some good attacking play released winger Will Glister who raced clear of the covering defence to score out wide. Dan Lewis converted to bring the scores level (7-7). Unfortunately the young Northampton Saint turned from hero to villain a few minutes later when his outstretched arm prevented what the officials saw as a clear line break opportunity so his knock-on was upgraded to a penalty and a yellow card. The Lions held firm during this period though and a successful long range penalty attempt from Lewis actually extended their lead just prior to half time to give them a 7-10 lead at the break. Taunton drew level just after half time through a Diaz penalty (10-10) but it was the Lions who dominated the majority of the second half which saw much more attacking rugby from both sides compared to the relatively cagey first half. The Lions scored the first try of the entertaining second half on 49 minutes when the hugely impressive 18 year old Leicester Tigers centre Charlie Myall broke through and beat the covering defence to cross out wide. This time Lewis was unable to convert (10-15). The Lions had an extremely strong bench and this really made a difference to proceedings. Nonleh had provided huge impact with his carries and he was joined by fellow Northampton Saints man Craig Wright at hooker who, along with Coventry Rugby youngster Fin Ogden at scrum half, provided fresh legs and impetus in to the Lions attack. They were joined shortly afterwards by Simon Johnson who made a crucial turnover in his own half with the home side looking dangerous. The Lions then launched an attack of their own and winger Jake Sterland crossed in the corner following some great handling across the back line once again. Lewis failed with the wide conversion again to leave the Lions with a 10 point advantage (10-20) with 10 minutes to go. The home side threw caution to the wind and were rewarded when scrum half Jordan Petherbridge made a break from a breakdown on half way and it was finished off by replacement back-row Will De Boehmler. The try was converted by Diaz-Dart to set up a tense finish (17-20). Last week it was the Lions who lost a bonus point in the last minute when Rosslyn Park scored a fourth try but this time it was the Lions who gained their bonus point try with the last play and in doing so denied their hosts a point. It was through another replacement, full-back Joe Brock, who gratefully received a lovely offload from man-of-the-match Dan Lewis to cross out wide. Lewis kicked the conversion for a 17-27 victory. Due to Sale also losing the Lions jumped above both them and Taunton to go 12th in the table. They have the opportunity to climb another place when they face 11th placed Bishop Stortford at home next weekend. Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''I thought we were excellent today. Everyone was well aware of how big a game it was for both clubs and it certainly had a bit of a cup final feel to it. It's never easy being the away side in these games so I was impressed with how we managed to control most of the contest. Once we hit our straps second half we played some really good attacking rugby too. Today was all about the result so we're delighted with the 5 points. We now have a run of games up to Christmas that we can go in to with loads of confidence and hopefully improve our league position.'' Edited by tigerburnie - 19 Nov 2023 at 19:22

NationalLeagueBadger Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List First XV regular Joined: 18 Mar 2022 Location: Dublin Status: Offline Points: 114	Post Options Post Reply Quote NationalLeagueBadger Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 Nov 2023 at 22:46
	Good result for Lions, if I was Taunton (who enjoy their fair share of Exeter boys) I’d feel a little miffed at Chessum Jr debuting in a result which could be pivotal come the end of the season along with six other loan players. Edited by NationalLeagueBadger - 19 Nov 2023 at 22:47

tigerburnie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List World Cup Winner Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 3807	Post Options Post Reply Quote tigerburnie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 Nov 2023 at 22:55
	Not played for a long time, so I guess he has signed to get back to fitness, he would be a replacement for Irvine who has gone to Cambridge.

NeverbeentoChinnor Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List British and Irish Lion Joined: 01 Sep 2023 Location: Chepstow Status: Offline Points: 209	Post Options Post Reply Quote NeverbeentoChinnor Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 2023 at 05:41
	Stolen from the BS website: Probably Stortford's best team performance of the season so far against a powerful and remorseless Chinnor side, who clearly demonstrated their promotion credentials, but were flattered by the final scoreline. The match kicked of in wet conditions and, though there was no rain during the match, the pitch conditions could definitely be described as heavy. Despite these conditions Stortford produced a splendid passage of three-quarter interplay by the backs and on 8 minutes Chris Smith came off his wing to finish the move, started by Dan Powell near halfway and carried on by Chris Bolton in close support The try under the posts was converted by Matt Riddington. It proved to be pretty much the one attacking highlight of the game for Stortford, however, against a very powerful opposition. Chinnor came back strongly and scored two close range tries. The first, on 16 minutes was scored by the Chinnor hooker, Alun Walker from a 5 metre lineout drive, and the second, on 22 minutes by prop, Robin Hardwick diving over from the fringe of a ruck. This second try was converted by the Chinnor outside half George Worboys. The first half now became a kicking duel with Chinnor just having the territorial advantage but the sides went in at half time with the score 7-12 to Chinnor. The second half was played almost entirely in the Stortford half and much of it in their 22! This allowed the home side to show the best of their defensive skills, as they repelled wave after wave of concerted Chinnor attacks. They managed to frustrate the visitors for 33 minutes, producing a number of crucial turnovers in the red zone, but were unable to press the aggressive opposition back for any length of time, with some loose kicking and, latterly, a number of lineout losses resulting in lost ball. Chinnor declined a number of easy penalty kicks at goal and it was clear they were playing for the four try bonus point, adding to their frustrations, as attack after attack foundered. Eventually, it was only a charge down by Connor-Terrah Brockschmidt of an attempted clearance from the base of a defensive ruck that brought a crucial breakthrough for the visitors. The ball bounced kindly for the second row, who followed up to touch down unopposed, giving Worboys an easy conversion. Stortford continued to defend their line gallantly, but their prolonged heroic defensive effort had obviously taken its toll and Chinnor finally got their bonus point try by centre, James Bourton in the 79th minute, also converted by Worboys. A disappointing end to the game for the Stortford team and their many supporters and a final scoreline that did scant justice to the battling performance. Special thanks today go to Mantle Space, Matchday Sponsors and Tees Law, Man of the Match Sponsors, who are both major supporters of the Club. The Man of the Match award went to skipper, James Ayrton, who led from the front in his team's tremendous defensive display.

Member728 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List World Cup Winner Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Location: RAG Status: Offline Points: 2727	Post Options Post Reply Quote Member728 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 2023 at 14:09
	Richmond overturned the form book to claim a convincing and impressive five try victory over visitors Plymouth Albion, who had started the game as league leaders. The five points earned lift Richmond up to seventh position, whilst Albion slip to third, now overtaken by Rams and next week’s opponents Chinnor. Richmond fielded a largely unchanged side except for the welcome return of fly half Ted Landray. Plymouth, coached by one-time England fly half Ryan Lamb, have recruited well and included ex Jersey and Pirates winger Robin Wedlake and long-term club man lock Dan Collier, now in his twelfth season with Albion. With the rain finally relenting, Richmond kicked off and enjoyed the bonus of an early score. Following a Plymouth high tackle, Sean Kerr made no mistake with a long and straight penalty after three minutes. Albion had an immediate chance to respond when No 8 Sam Daly came steaming through a defensive hole and dummied a defender before giving out what seemed a certain scoring pass to Phil Jones. However, Hamish Graham intervened with a crunching tackle at the corner and somehow knocked the fly-half into touch. Richmond enjoyed plenty of early ball, helped by a turnover from Xavier Hastings. However, the handling was prone to error and a knock on gave Plymouth another chance to test the home defence. The tackling was convincing, but when Richmond drifted offside, Albion confidently kicked for the corner and secured the lineout ball. Scrum half Jack Oulton then spotted a gap out wide and dived over despite the best efforts of Hastings to knock him into touch. The officials conferred and the try was given. Two minutes later, Richmond restored their lead with their first try, Alex Post inevitably completing a short range drive from the back of the pack after an illegal Plymouth tackle of a player in the air. Kerr added the points. The first scrum was awarded after seventeen minutes and resulted in an Albion penalty and a long period of pressure around the 22. Richmond then conceded a second penalty for a high tackle and Plymouth once again opted to kick for the corner, from where they mauled over to level the scores at 10-10. Harry Wilkinson was the scorer, but the conversion was again missed. Plymouth now had more of the ball, courtesy of two more penalties conceded, one for another high tackle and then one for crossing. The home pack held out the first time, but Daly found a gap on the line when given a second chance and he ran around to the posts for the score, converted by Tom Putt. When the Richmond kick off then went straight out, the nervousness was obvious but within five minutes, Richmond scored the try of the game. Plymouth lost their lineout ball on halfway, and Richmond took full advantage, Landray looping round to create an extra man before Kerr received the ball on the wide left. Looking hemmed in, the centre swivelled and gave a lovely pass to the supporting Post for his second try and a half time score of 15-17. Any Richmond nerves were immediately calmed by a score within the opening minute of the second half. It was Plymouth’s turn to kick straight out, and Richmond worked their way steadily to the 22 before mauling towards the line. Stopped just short, the forwards picked and drove, making patient progress. Jake Monson was only just short before Hastings claimed the try, converted by Kerr. Another high tackle again provided opportunity to the visitors who had a scrum five metres out and in front. In a crucial moment for the game, man of the match Ntinga Mpiko claimed a smart turnover and Richmond were able to clear. Three minutes later, Mpiko was prominent again, a monster tackle setting the tone for a defensive line, who were now denying Albion any space. After 60 minutes, Richmond opened up a two-score lead. Landray made a good half break before Luc Jones cleverly stabbed the ball into the 22, Richmond gaining the lineout when Albion failed to pick up the ball. Once again, the pack drove steadily towards the line and once again Hastings claimed the try, this time converted by Landray. Prop Jenson Boughton had one gallup deep into the home 22, but the Richmond pack were now dominant and cleared from a set scrum. In the 69th minute they added a fifth try. The Plymouth lineout malfunctioned again, the ball went loose and Hastings, who had a fine game, kicked intelligently into space deep in the 22. A foot race ensued, and Will Kaye was the winner with a fine turn of speed enabling him to get the touchdown. Ted Landray added a very good conversion and they could relax. Or could they? At the kick off, try scorer Kaye was then given a yellow card for a high tackle, and Plymouth used the penalty to kick into the 22. Steadily working their way forward, the pack could not be stopped this time, and lock Angus Hodges got the bonus point touch down with six or seven minutes to go. When a long kick was taken into touch near the home 22, Richmond were forced back into further urgent defence. They held out at the cost of another yellow card, this time for Ethan Benson. Finally, thirteen man Richmond had a scrum five metres from their own line and, after a fright or two, Ted Landray claimed the ball and booted it into touch. The celebrations could begin. Player of the Match: Ntinga Mpiko

Match report 18/11/23

Probably Stortford's best team performance of the season so far against a powerful and remorseless Chinnor side, who clearly demonstrated their promotion credentials, but were flattered by the final scoreline.