Hinckley 2nd XV 27-24 Rugby Lions 1st XV

The Lions travelled to Hinckley for their 1st pre-season match for an

anticipated hard encounter. With previous matches being fierce.

With all available Lions players trying to stake a claim for a shirt everyone

was keen to impress from an evolving pre-season.

As expected the 1st 20 mins was quick with some heated exchanges, fitness being tested but the Lions defence holding strong though continuity in attack was being tested.

Set piece was always going to be tight with the upper hand changing frequently

with neither team giving an inch. With so many front row in the travelling squad

consistency was a challenge to keep momentum with both scrummaging & line outs

being inconsistent 1st phase ball for the Lions was poor not giving their back

line time or space to move.

With both teams defence strategies being strong, familiarity of each other in

attack was key, Hinckley were using the ball well & turning over ball well, the

Lions close support was poor with too many isolated runners being ineffective.

The Lions need to learn quickly with their 1st Cup game only 2 weeks away.

Some promising performances from new players, Sam James, Sunny Dhindsa, Ash

Williams & Jack Brenchley showing they are progressing well.

This weeks training will be interesting to decide who plays in the development

XV or the 1st XV against  Dunlop at Home.

Development XV kick off 1pm

1st XV kick off at 3pm.

All supporters are welcome.