Hinckley Stags see off Lions in high scoring local derby cup clash
AFTER a unbeaten start to the league season for the Stags, Saturday gave the team its first Leicester county cup game of the season.
A match up against Leicester Lions that would’ve suited a final the two teams did not disappoint, with the Stags leaving as victors and progressing into the next round.
The Stags established set piece dominance early doors with two maul tries scored by Ewan Bartlett and Ben Marshall.
Leicester Lions then scored a penalty kick shortly after to reduce the deficit.
Just before half time Noah Reeve finished a well worked team try before Leicester Lions hit back with a try if their own to bring the score before half time to 21-10.
The second half brought as much action as the first resembling a boxing match with the two teams exchanging scores back and forth.
Hinckley opening the scoring through Dale Bowyer but Leicester Lions hit back soon after to bring the score to 26-17.
Further tries from Stevo Farrell and Shae Nixon and one try from Lions increased Hinckley’s lead to 38-17.
Soon after there was a questionable yellow card decision for a high tackle for James Moreton who had but in a monster hit in the middle of the park, which reduced the Stags to 14 men for the remainder of the game.
Lions scored three further tries during this period to keep themselves in touching distance, but Hinckley closed out the game through a final try from Luca Stuart to take the victory 45-34.
There was a number of good performances but Star Man goes to Ewan Bartlett
The Stags now focus their attention to their next league game against Broadstreet next week.