Boden is the Key as Andy’s men soar at home

Leics Lions .... 23 Sale .................... 5

JONATHAN Boden’s ten first-half points condemned Sale to just a second loss of the season and boosted Leicester Lions’ promotion credentials.

Boden was at the crux of a blazing Lions start as they raced out to an 18-0 lead thanks to a try, conversion and penalty from the centre.

James Grayson – son of former England fly-half Paul Grayson – chipped in with a penalty of his own before full-back Ian Smith crossed.

Scrum-half Christopher Townsend struck with a try for Sale before halftime, but Lions substitute Kris McFedries put the result beyond doubt – Sale though held on to second place after Sedgley Park lost to Sheffield Tigers.

Boden crossed the whitewash to make the hosts’ dominance count after five minutes before converting his own try.

Coach Andy Key will

TEAMS

LEICESTER LIONS: Smith, Nixon, Hamilton, Boden, Constant, Grayson, Emery, Sio, Taylor, Hills, Dallavalle, Tuckey, Martin, Mudoch, Hartwell

Replacements: Mahoney, Spokes, Gibbons, Olowofela, McFedries

SALE: McGovern, Simpson, Moorhouse, Rawlings, Conville, Johnson, Townsend, Birchall, Barker, Kelly, Davies, Rawlings, Briggs, Bache, Ailes

Replacements: Sanderson, Longmore, Mowatt, Leader, Singleton REFEREE: Sara Cox ATTENDANCE: 159 Star man Jonathan Boden - Leicester Lions have been pleased with his side’s application in search of a third-straight win and 18-year-old Grayson, on loan from Northampton Saints, thumped a penalty to continue their rip-roaring start.

Boden pitched in with a penalty before Smith bustled over for his team’s second try within 25 minutes.

It was the Lions’ defence that sealed the result – restricting Sale to just Townsend’s score before McFedries struck with 25 minutes remaining.