Martin’s magic is key for Lions’ late rally

Leicester L ...... 26 Preston G ........ 24

A LATE Aaron Martin try made it three wins on the bounce for Leicester Lions as they triumphed at home to Preston Grasshoppers.

Preston looked to dominate the game through their forwards early on but were unable to convert the pressure into points. Thomas Davidson missed a penalty for the visitors in front of the posts.

Rouban Birch scored the opening try with 20 minutes gone after Lions left the blindside exposed.

Daniel Lewis reduced Preston’s lead with a penalty on 25 minutes. Lewis gave the home side the lead for the first time in the match with a try after powerful forward play.

The lead didn’t last long however with Alastair Murray crossing in the last play of the half.

Lions made a quick start to the second period as Devon Constant crossed after a break by Ross Herbert from a ruck. Lewis kept the scoreboard ticking with a penalty after a line break from Constant before slotting another one in front of the posts six minutes later.

James Fitzpatrick brought the visitors to within four points with 17 minutes to play after a sustained period of pressure on the Lions’ line.

Birch gave the Grasshoppers the lead with his second try with nine minutes remaining.

Resolute defending and a solid scrum was not enough for Preston as Aaron Martin scored the winning try for the Lions.