Leicester Lions show their class but Exeter University put up a spirited reply

It was a sunny afternoon for the visit of Exeter University to Leicester Lions at Westleigh Park. Rain during the week had left the pitch heavy going, which was no help to Exeter University who play most of their games on an all weather pitch.

In spite of a heavy going pitch both sides were keen to play attacking rugby, keeping the ball and the play on the move.

Lions pressurised Exeter University from the start, with a delicate run down the right wing, completing the move with a deft pass of the ball from winger Zach Bean to scrum half James Stubbs, who went over for a try, with Ben Young adding the conversion.

Exeter University played well taking the play to Lions. Lions conceded a penalty which Exeter University took quickly and a darting wriggling run by Jack Park took him through the Lions defence to open the scoring for Exeter University with a try.

As the half progressed Lions tight forward play was starting to take effect. Lions took their own lineout throw inside the Exeter University 22, with Nick Cairns powering his way over for a try and another Ben Young conversion.

Half-Time: Leicester Lions 14 Exeter University 5

At the start of the second half Lions worked the ball out to Devon Constant on the left wing, who chipped the ball over his opposite winger, to collect and dab down for a try, with Ben Young adding the extras.

Lions pressure was telling on Exeter University. Some powerful and educated backs moves by Lions allowed them to extend their lead with tries by Jamel Hamilton and Devon Constant, with Ben Young adding the extras both times.

Lions finished off the match, producing the best try of the afternoon, with a delightful set of running interchanges between Nick Cairns and Zac Bean on the right wing, with Bean completing the move touching down for Lions sixth try of the game.

A well deserved victory for Lions, but Exeter University did not make it easy for them.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 40 Exeter University 5

Lions 6 tries, Exeter University 1 try, but Lions did not get an easy game against a spirited Exeter University side.

This was Lions 20th consecutive win of the season, with only one narrow defeat against Dings Crusaders during the season.

Teams: 15-9, 1-8, Replacements:-

Leicester Lions: Patrick, Bean, Hamilton, Martin, Constant, Young, Stubbs, Williams, Taylor, Thompson, Ward, Godefroy, Sumpter, Murdoch, Cairns
Replacements: Rudkin, Roberts, Johnson, Watkins, Bouchier

Exeter University: Gozzard, Church, Shuttleworth, Wimbush, Smears, Park, Murray, Morris, Young, Rolls, Manzi, Bailey, Stanley, Baldry, Thorne
Replacements: Nehatta, Arnold, Alexander, Ogwemoh, Ferguson

Lions Headcoach, Gareth Collins, commented: - ‘We were under a bit of pressure to win on the day we were getting the league trophy so I was delighted with our performance. It would have been easy drop off in terms of intensity but a couple of the defensive sets in the first half were immense. Our attack took a little while to get going but in the second half we identified space and found the edges of their defence better, which in turn led to some great tries. It was another great afternoon in what has been an unbelievable year. We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received at home games this year, the atmosphere was great again today and it really does make the difference.‘

Following the game Lions received the trophies and medals as winners of National League 2 West. Next season Lions look forward to the challenge of competing in National League 1.