Sturgess inspires opening triumph
PAUL Arnold was happy with the performance of his Lancashire side as they beat Leicestershire convincingly by eight tries to two, as the red rose county proved far too strong for their visitors to Firwood Waterloo in their first game in Division One.
Delighted coach Arnold said: “I was pleased with the boys’ ambition, and they played with a great tempo, especially in the first half.
“And to be in such a strong position at halftime was fantastic.
“Leicestershire came back into it in the second half, which was a real credit to them, and the game has set us up well for the rest of campaign.”
The home side played the first half at a fantastic pace.
Star man Matt Sturgess scored early from a chip and chase, and they extended their lead after Kieran Hussey was sent to the sin-bin, and Jordan Dorrington finished well in the left-hand corner.
Sam Stott went under the posts soon after, before Leicestershire put in a number of sets of fantastic defensive shifts,
and they were unlucky to score themselves.
However, the bonus point was earned after Luke Coltman was sinbinned and Ben Gregory went over.
The excellent Sturgess went over again before the break to give the home side a 31-0 lead, for which although they were good value, was not a reflection of the work rate and desire of the Leicestershire side.
The same pattern continued after the break, with Peter Altham driving over from close range within minutes of the restart.
The visitors got a well-deserved try when a break away from Luke Veebal gave Euan Kelly an opportunity to run in
from 35 metres, which he finished expertly.
Lancashire continued to show their quality, with Stott scoring his second try before Henry Hadfield took the home side past 50, although Leicestershire kept coming and, on the final whistle, stand-out visiting backrower Isaac Norton went over from a clever play from the line-out.
Leicestershire coach Chris Campbell said post game that: ‘despite the result that was a performance to be proud of. The work rate and energy of the entire squad was fantastic and showed a grit and determination throughout the afternoon. The young players got great experience which will be a benefit.”