Unfortunately I was unable to attend the game, so many thanks to Gareth Collins for the match report below.

The first A team game of the season was played at West Bridgford RFC against the University of Nottingham. Senior players Tom Williams and George Watkins took responsibility for the forwards and backs respectively, under the guidance of Head Coach Gareth Collins.

The Lions side consisted of some first team squad players alongside the development squad. Players who have been out on loan - Charlie Neale and Morgan Tunneycliff at Nuneaton, Alex Smit and Ben Dickinson at West Bridgford, and Nathan Smith at Oundle - all returned for the fixture. The side was captained by senior player Drew Rudkin and 17 year old Leicester Grammar School student Oscar McCarthy also made his debut for the club at scrum half, alongside two other teenagers Morgan Tunneycliff and Josh Ashe.

The Lions dominated the first half, the forwards pack proving too powerful for the student side, but the students side defended resolutely and restricted the Lions to only two tries. Both the first half tries came from the Lions driving maul that was very effective all evening. The first was finished off by second row Nathan Wilson and the second by hooker Augy Clark. Half time time score 12-0.

The second half started in much the same way, with the Lions driving lineout causing problems for Nottingham. Nathan Wilson was the man at the back again, grabbing his second try of the evening. The last score came from a trademark snipe down the blindside from replacement scrum half Alex Smit. The students competed well all game though and were rewarded with two late tries. Final score 24-12.

Head coach Gareth Collins commented ‘’George [Watkins] and Tom [Williams] led the group superbly and the atmosphere was great at training and for the match tonight. It’s always tough to get the side organised when you throw all the guys together who’ve been playing elsewhere but they did a great job. It was a really competitive game and the uni side competed really well. Was good to get the win though and great to see the young lads perform so well.’’

Mike Howkins, Fourth Official and Press Officer Leicester Lions RFC