Second half blitz by Lions

SEVEN TRIES FOR HOME SIDE MOVES THEM UP TO SIXTH

Leicester Lions 49 Westcliff 12 National League 2 South

LEICESTER Lions moved up to sixth in the table after a second half try blitz saw off Westcliff, writes Michael Howkins.

Yet it was the visitors who struck first, their winger Jack Hogarth outrunning the Lions’ defence to score a try in the corner after nine minutes.

And Westcliff extended their lead to 12-0 after 15 minutes when a Lions handling error led to winger Sevi Ajeigne running 60 metres for their second try of the game.

Lions showed their class by coming back into the game quickly.

Devon Constant collected the ball mid-field and ran straight through the Westcliff defence for a try to open the Lions’ account, with Ben Young adding the conversion.

As the game headed towards halftime, Lions took a quick tap penalty giving Alex Wilcockson the opportunity to scythe through the Westcliff defence for a try.

Young again adding the extras, giving the Lions a 14-12 lead at the break.

In the third quarter of the game, the Lions had a purple scoring patch with five tries scored in rapid succession in under 20 minutes.

Toby Hutchinson crashed through for a typical forwards try, followed by some elegant play by Ben Young drifting through the Westcliff defence to open his try scoring account.

Further enterprising back play allowed Jamel Hamilton to drive through the centre for a try, quickly followed by Jake Sterland having a speedy run up the right wing to score a try.

Then Lions prop Isaac Thompson went over for a try following a Lions break from a lineout.

Impressive kicking by Young added ten points, taking the score to 49-12.

In the final quarter, the dynamic Lions play quietened down with the home side attacking the Westcliff line, but unable to break through their defence and pass the 50-point barrier.

Lions head coach Gareth Collins said: “I was really pleased with the way we responded following last week’s loss.

“We knew Westcliff would be competitive, especially for the first quarter, and they punished us for some early errors.

“I was actually happy with our attacking intent right from the offset but if you make too many errors in this league then whoever you are playing will punish you.

“The lads showed some good character though to dig themselves out of the hole, having been 12-0 down, and some of our attacking play was excellent.

“As always we’ll enjoy the victory but our focus will quickly move to another huge game against Esher next week.”

Lions chairman Ken Whitehead said: “We were a little nervous when Westcliff scored the first two tries of the game, but impressed by the way Lions came back into the game. Our free scoring in the third quarter of the match was a delight to watch.”

Lions face a tough trip to Esher in Surrey on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Esher are in second position in National League 2 South, one point behind league leaders Clifton, but with two games in hand.