Match Report
Macclesfield Lions v Sedgley Park 2s
1st May, 2010
Raging Bull Cup Final
Lions 28 Sedge 3
Champions Claim Cup!
League Champions Macclesfield Lions finished off their season in perfect style when they beat Sedgley Park in the Raging Bull Cup Final to complete a fantastic double. Perhaps an even greater achievement is the fact the Lions were able to go through the season undefeated. Indeed they haven’t lost a game since January 09! As Sedge were League Champions in the 2 seasons previous & runners-up this season they were determined to “upset” the Lions and claim some silverware for themselves. Thus a highly competitive game ensued!
The game started with the kickers sharing a couple of penalties. After 15 minutes the Lions were denied a try when they were called back for a disputed forward pass. No matter as a few minutes later prolonged pressure was rewarded when Keane stole line-out ball and Thomas Taylor powered over. 10 minutes later Sayce & Coote combined from the back of a scrum to put Fowles in space. He attracted defenders before feeding Keep who raced away to score. 5 minutes before the break the Lions scored the key try when a great line-out move created chaos in the Sedge defence. Davenport collected the ball to smash through the remnants to touchdown under the posts. Macey added a conversion to his earlier penalty and the Lions led 20 – 3 at half-time.
The pattern of the game was repeated in the second half with possession being shared but the Lions looking more potent & varied in attack and more aggressive & resolute in defence. 15 minutes into the half the Lions scored again when patient forward pressure created an overlap which Fowles finished off. Soon after Macey added a penalty to complete the scoring and the Lions had won 28 – 3. The final quarter of the game was a little anti-climatic, particularly after an unnecessary “punch-up” resulted in a red card for Sedge and a yellow for the Lions. No matter to the Lions who were intent on closing the game out without conceding a try to claim an impressive double.
Man of the Match was the Lions No 8 Sayce who after a slow start was the dominant player. Back row colleagues Skipper Jones, Hall and later Barker were also superb. Although competitive up front the Lions tight forwards had the upper hand; Goodfellow, Devine & Poyser helping young Taylor to have a fantastic game. Behind them Keane, Lear and then Bostock & Roddy were the rocks of the side. In the back line Kanauros & Hardwick only had a few attacking opportunities but defended superbly. Keep & Fowles did get the chance to attack and did so with relish. Roberts epitomised the spirit in the side when he returned from the blood bin after a nasty bang on the nose. Davenport, as usual, was colossal in all aspects and finally the half-back pair of Coote & Macey drove their pack on all afternoon ensuring the Lions played in the right areas of the field for the most part. A solid all round display from the Lions against very capable opponents which means they claim a great league & cup double. All the players are now looking forward to the League Presentation Evening on May 7th at Preston when they will celebrate their success in style.
Team: M Devine, T Taylor, S Goodfellow, N Keane, I Lear, R Jones (c), F Hall, E Sayce, G Coote, P Macey, J Keep, T Davenport, J Fowles, P Hardwick & T Kanauros. Subs: J Poyser, J Bostock, C Roddy, F Barker & I Roberts.
Match Report
Macclesfield Lions v Chester 2s
17th April, 2010
Lions 61 Chester 0
Champions Crush Chester!
Macclesfield Lions claimed the North West Intermediate Premier League on a fine Spring afternoon at Priory Park by defeating a competitive Chester side. Chester’s 1st team had completed their season’s fixtures the week before so there was no surprise at some of the “unfamiliar” faces in their ranks! No matter as the Lions were intent on securing the victory they needed to take the title and an entertaining game ensued.
The Lions started a little tentatively and needed a good tackle from Townsend to ensure they didn’t concede the opening score. Soon after the Lions pack made an emphatic game winning statement with an excellent scrum against the head which created the opportunity to put Davenport in the clear. He galloped away before finding Hall who touched down. 5 minutes later the Lions were under pressure in their 22 when they came up with another scrum take against the head. Barker picked up, fed Hall who put O’Regan clear. He made good use of his support runners to race clear for the score. From the re-start Barker collected the kick, made ground before the ball was moved wide to O’Regan who again applied an excellent finish. With Macey converting the first 2 tries the Lions were 19 - 0 up after 15 minutes.
Despite the score-line Chester were playing reasonably well in most areas. However despite enjoying a good share of possession they couldn’t make much head way against the organised & committed Lions defence. When after 30 minutes the Lions scored again the victory was secured. The try came after a period of patient pressure when Macey dabbed a kick behind the on-rushing defence and McDermott fought off his team-mates to score. Macey converted and the Lions led 26 – 0 at the break.
With the sun, wind & slope in their favour in the second half the Lions put together a fine 20 minute spell after the break to score another 4 tries. Almost from the re-start excellent play by Keep created the first of these for Lowden. A scrum move then put Keep in space and his cunning change of direction enabled him to touch-down with ease. Keep was again involved in the next try when his kick ahead was poorly defended. The evergreen Taylor collected the feeble clearance to cross unopposed. Then after solid pressure Townsend punished a Chester infringement when he took a quick penalty to score. Macey converted all 4 and the lead was 54 – 0.
As in the first half Chester were playing their part in a good game. They lacked the precision & pace of the Lions though they never stopped competing. This was most evident in the final quarter when they created some decent opportunities. However the Lions showed why they are Champions by doggedly refusing their visitors any score with some tenacious defence. The Lions completed the scoring 10 minutes from the end when after some energy sapping forward drives Hall played a one-two with Keep to score his second. Roberts converted and the Lions won 61 – 0.
This was an excellent all round display by the Lions against a competent Chester side. The Lions were potent in attack and defended with vigour. Although Chester competed well in most areas they had no answer to the powerful Lions scrum. Devine & Goodfellow were immense in the Front Row alongside MOTM Taylor. Although this victory sealed the Title there is no respite for the Lions as next week they travel to Birkenhead Park for their final league fixture when the target is an unbeaten league season!
Team: M Devine, I Taylor, S Goodfellow, N Keane, I Lear, R Jones (c), F Hall, F Barker, C Townsend, P Macey, J Keep, T Davenport, R McDermott, M O’Regan & J Lowden. Subs: T Taylor, J Bostock & I Roberts.
Match Report
Preston Grasshoppers 2s v Macclesfield Lions
10th April, 2010
Hoppers 15 v Lions 77
Rory the Lions crushes Hoppers!
Macclesfield Lions travelled up to Preston on a warm sunny afternoon to play Hoppers in a difficult looking fixture as the home side had only lost 4 leagues games this season. However with the Lions having a title to win their desire was too much for a disappointing Hoppers side!
The Lions started the game extremely well and within 20 minutes they had scored 5 tries without reply. The evergreen Keep opened the scoring immediately and this was quickly followed by a brace each for Coote & Price. A shell shocked Hoppers hit back after 25 minutes only for the Lions to respond with another Price try as the game became competitive in the period leading up to half-time. 5 minutes before the break Hoppers scored a good try only for the Lions to reply right away again as this time Coote completed his hat-trick. Macey added 3 conversions and the Lions led 10 – 41 at the break.
In the second period the Lions played consistently well throughout the half. Hoppers had no answer to their all round power, pace and desire. The Lions added a further 6 tries through McDermott, Hardwick (on their returns from injury), Barker, Roddy, a penalty try and a second for Keep. Roberts also added 3 conversions. The only blemish being some poor tackling to allow Hoppers a soft try. The final score being 15 – 77.
This was a very good performance by the hungry Lions as they chase down the league title. The forward pack were rampant in all areas & well marshalled by Coote. The back-line attacked with pace & variety. Individually Keep and Price took the honours with Rory Price just edging it as MOTM.
Next week the Lions return to Priory Park to face Chester in a 3pm KO. If they can avoid defeat they will claim the title!
Team: M Devine, P Allan, S Goodfellow, J Bostock, I Lear, R Jones (c), F Barker, E Sayce, G Coote, P Macey, J Keep, T Davenport, R McDermott, R Price & I Roberts. Subs: I Taylor, C Roddy & P Hardwick.
Match Report
Macclesfield Lions v Caldy 2s
5th April, 2010
Lions 88 Caldy 20
No Slip-Ups from the Lions!
Macclesfield Lions continued their pursuit of the league title in a re-arranged league game at home to Caldy on Easter Monday. With the Lions having beaten Caldy twice recently over at Paton Fields (the away league fixture and a cup semi-final) a home victory was expected. Unfortunately Caldy arrived with only 10 players. League rules dictate the fixture must go ahead if the opposition have at least 9 players and there may be only 1 player advantage at the start of the game. So the Lions could only field 11! The Lions had a clear advantage “up front” in the recent games and so when Caldy advised they had a back-line & only 3 forwards a team talk wasn’t necessary!
Despite the game being a potential “banana-skin” for the Lions they comfortably maintained their unbeaten league record and extended their points difference advantage over their nearest rivals Sedgley Park as they demonstrated ample desire and no little skill to comfortably win the game.
For the record the scorers were Price 4 tries, Roddy 3, Keep & Townsend a brace each, Davenport, Lear and Roberts. Roberts also kicked 9 conversions. Once the requisite 60 minutes were reached all decided enough was enough.
Great credit is due to the Caldy players, officials and vociferous supporters who did turn-up in difficult circumstances. With the bad winter weather meaning a record number of games had to be re-scheduled Caldy were unhappy at being “forced” to play on a holiday Monday, something for the league to consider when they next have to re-schedule!
On Saturday the Lions travel up to Preston to face a Grasshoppers side currently in 3rd place. This should be a cracking fixture as the Lions look to maintain their unbeaten record against their most dangerous looking opponents in their remaining 3 league fixtures.
Team: P Allan, I Lear, F Barker, C Roddy, C Townsend, I Roberts, J Keep, T Davenport, D Jones, P Laing & R Price. Subs: N Keane & T Kerr.
Match Report
Raging Bull Cup Semi-Final
Caldy 2s v Macclesfield Lions
3rd April, 2010
Caldy 2s 12 v Lions 46
Lions Front Up To Reach Another Final!
Defending Champions Macclesfield Lions travelled across to Cheshire to face Caldy in the semi-final of the Raging Bull Cup. As Caldy have only lost a handful of games this season a tight, competitive game was expected however the Lions put together a decent display to comfortably win the game and move forward to the final v Sedgley Park on the 1st May.
The Lions started the game well having chosen to play up the considerable slope. Despite this they couldn’t get on the scoreboard due to stubborn defence from Caldy and 3 missed kicks. No matter as during the last 20 minutes of the half their strong play, particularly up front, reaped rewards as pressure was turned into points. Laing opened the scoring after 25 minutes following strong play from Davenport and soon after a take against the head helped Roddy to cross the line. Macey converted both and the Lions led 0 – 14. As half-time approached the Lions scored again as another strike against the head created the space for Keep to score. Half-time score 0 – 19 to the Lions.
With the significant advantage of the slope after the break the Lions knew they had done the hard work and had effectively won the game. Particularly as within a couple of minutes of the restart Roddy again scored from a strike against the head. Credit to Caldy as they came back with a converted try of their own to close the score to 7 – 24. This merely spurred the Lions on as they put together a very good 15 minute spell to cruise away with a further 3 tries as Skipper Jones, Barker & Keep all scored, each the result of some great play in the build-up. Macey converted the Barker try and the score was now 7 – 41. Caldy then scored their 2nd try when the Lions went to sleep following a quick penalty. The scoring was completed just before the close when leading scorer Kanauros got on the end of another fine break to give a final score of 12 - 46. The game ended a little controversially with Kanauros being dismissed for dissent.
This was a decent display by the Lions against competent opponents. The forwards were the pick this week and especially the Front Row of Devine, Taylor & MOTM Goodfellow. On Easter Monday the Lions return to league action when they face the same opponents in a rearranged league game. KO 3pm.
Team: M Devine, I Taylor, S Goodfellow, J Bostock, N Keane, R Jones (c), F Barker, C Roddy, C Townsend, I Roberts, J Keep, T Davenport, P Macey, P Laing & T Kanauros. Subs: J Poyser, C Rawles & D Jones.
Match Report
Macclesfield Lions v Altrincham Kersal
27th March, 2010
Lions 84 v AK 0
Lions March On!
Macclesfield Lions had a comfortable home win against an under strength Altrincham Kersal on a dry but windy afternoon at Priory Park. With 4 league games remaining the Lions are still unbeaten however Sedgley Park are in hot pursuit meaning at this stage the Lions still need to win at least 3 games to be certain of the title.
The game against AK started off very scrappily as the Lions were impatient & over elaborated their play. They also had to contend with a strong breeze blowing across the pitch. However after about 30 minutes they clicked into gear to comfortably beat a committed but limited AK.
Even in the uninspired opening period of play the Lions crossed their opponents line 4 times – a brace from Kanauros, Hall & Laing the scorers. From the half hour mark a further 10 tries were scored at regular intervals. Kanauros added another brace, Coote helped himself to a hat-trick, Lowden added a couple, Latham, Macey and a penalty try the others. Macey added 7 conversions and once the 80 point mark was reached all took a liberal view of the time remaining!
This was a reasonable performance from the Lions who recovered from a slow start. Carl Southern, a late call-up from the Colts, acquitted himself very well on his senior debut. MOTM was Coote with a welcome return to form after an indifferent display the week previous. The Lions will face sterner tests as the climax of the season approaches. Indeed next week they travel to Caldy on Saturday for a cup semi-final before returning to Priory Park at 3pm on Easter Monday to face the same opponents in a rearranged league fixture.
Team: B Latham, I Taylor, M Devine, J Bostock, I Lear, N Keane, R Jones (c), C Roddy, G Coote, P Macey, P Laing, F Hall, J Lowden, C Southern & T Kanauros. Subs: S Goodfellow, C Rawles & F Barker.
Match Report
Caldy 2s v Macclesfield Lions
20th March, 2010
Caldy 5 v Lions 25
Lions Scrape a Win!
Macclesfield Lions travelled across to the Wirral for a tasty looking top of the table clash against old foes Caldy on a dry but windy afternoon. Unfortunately the game was somewhat of an anti-climax as neither side played anything like their best. The Lions though made fewer mistakes and put together a decent period of play either side of half-time which was enough to comfortably win the game.
The Lions started reasonable well and were soon ahead when Roberts knocked over a fine penalty. However despite creating some good opportunities the Lions couldn’t add any further scores in the opening quarter due to committed home defence and poor decision making. After 25 minutes Roberts did add a second penalty for a 0 – 6 lead. Frustration was creeping into the Lions game which culminated in a Lowden yellow card for persistent team offending. With 10 minutes remaining in the half the Lions should have been under severe pressure however they at last upped their game and actually scored close to the break when Sayce crashed over after a series of close drives. Roberts added the extras and the Lions led 0 – 13 at the interval.
At the start of the second half the Lions were back to a full compliment and it was Caldy’s turn to lose a man to the bin. As the Lions were now playing better they were soon able to take advantage and effectively win the game. First Sayce again crossed for a try after another series of drives and then 2 minutes later the Lions put together the best passage of the game as leading scorer Kanauros was set free from a scrum move to race under the posts. Roberts converted and the Lions led 0 – 25 with 30 minutes remaining. Credit is due to Caldy at this stage as they didn’t buckle and competed well for the rest of the game. Indeed they added the last try on the final whistle when a promising Lions move broke down and they raced away to score.
This was a good result for the Lions as they maintain their unbeaten season and their lead in the title race, though it was not a great game or performance. Youngsters Taylor & Mair did well in the pack which was galvanised by Keane, especially when Roddy left the field with a cut. Behind them the backline struggled to function though Kanauros stood out with a faultless display at full-back. This allied to his great try enabled him to edge the honours as MOTM. Next week the Lions return to Priory Park for a league encounter with Altrincham Kersal.
Team: B Latham, T Taylor, S Goodfellow, C Roddy, N Keane, R Jones (c), F Hall, E Sayce, G Coote, I Roberts, J Fowles, P Board, J Lowden, J Keep & T Kanauros. Subs: B Robinson, J Mair & P Laing.
Match Report
LSH 2s v Macclesfield Lions
16th March, 2010
LSH 0 v Lions 31
Lions Light Up LSH!
Following the postponement of this game back in January Macc Lions travelled down the East Lancs. Road to face LSH under floodlights on a fine Tuesday March evening. LSH put out a competitive and experienced 15 and an interesting game ensued.
The Lions almost scored from the 1st play of the game as they returned the kick-off with interest but were denied by some committed defence. It wasn’t long before they did score when a great scrum enabled Sayce to run free and some quick interplay put in Kanauros. 20 minutes later another solid scrum laid the platform for the next score. Sayce combined with Hall at the base and Keep was set free. He belied his shape and age to race half the length of the field to touch down. Macey added the extras and the lead was 0 – 12 to the Lions.
At this stage LSH were competing well in the tight however out wide the Lions had a distinct pace advantage. As the half progressed and the stamina of the home side drained the Lions had increasing opportunities to exploit this. The game was effectively won in the 10 minutes leading up to the break. First of all Sayce scored a pushover, then a kick ahead from Roberts was claimed by Macey and finally Keep added his second after some fine interplay. With Macey converting the Sayce try and Roberts the Keep try the score was now 0 – 31 as the half-time whistle sounded.
Unfortunately the second-half was severely disrupted by failing floodlights. Both sides and officials gave the game every chance however as players were spending more & more time standing around in rapidly falling temperatures the sensible decision to abandon the game was reluctantly taken.
This was a solid display from the Lions who had to fight hard for possession. Once secured the quality and speed of some of the interplay was impressive. MOTM for a fantastic scrummage display was Scott Goodfellow, though Sayce & Hall were a handful in the back row and leading scorer Kanauros had another faultless display. On Saturday the 20th the Lions travel to old rivals Caldy for a tasty looking top of the table clash.
Team: M Devine, B Latham, S Goodfellow, C Roddy, J Bostock, R Jones (c), F Hall, E Sayce, C Townsend, I Roberts, T Kanauros, T Davenport, P Board, J Keep & P Macey. Subs: J Poyser, J Mair & J Fowles.
Match Report
Kendal 2s v Macclesfield Lions
13th March, 2010
Kendal 2s 0 v Lions 105
Ton Up for the Lions!
On a sunny afternoon Macclesfield Lions travelled up to Cumbria to face Kendal in the latest round of league matches. Although Kendal aren’t enjoying the best of seasons they are usually very competitive on their own patch. However they met a Lions side right at the top of their game and suffered a very heavy defeat.
The intent of the Lions was evident from the first play of the game. They received the kick off and put together a fine passage of interplay which culminated in Keep touching down. Within 3 minutes Jones & Townsend combined to put Roberts clear and the pattern of the game was clear – the Lions focused & keen to take the opportunity to improve their points difference and Kendal unable to compete & not experienced enough to take the sting out of the game.
For the record the Lions were 51 – 0 ahead at the break with a further 7 tries from Lear, Jones, Macey, Kanauros, Taylor, Kanauros (again) & Lear (again). Macey converted 3. In the second half the Lions probably played even better. This allied to a little tiredness and despondency in the home side meant the scores came even more regularly!
Again for the record the scorers were Keep, a Hall hat-trick, Lear (to complete his hat-trick), a 3rd & 4th for Kanauros and the final try from Jones. After which all agreed to take a liberal view of the time-keeping! With Roberts adding 7 second-half conversions the final score was 105 – 0 to the Lions.
Despite the one-sided nature of the game this was a fine performance from the Lions who played with pace & skill through-out. It was also perfect preparation for the upcoming mid-week game away at Liverpool St Helens (Tuesday 16th KO 7.30pm). Individually Laing had a great 1st half but Hall just about edged everyone for his overall performance as MOTM.
Team: M Devine, I Taylor, S Goodfellow, I Lear, J Bostock, P Laing, F Hall, R Jones (c), C Townsend, I Roberts, J Fowles, T Davenport, P Macey, J Keep & T Kanauros. Subs: J Poyser, J Mair & P Board.
Match Report
Macclesfield Lions v Stockport
6th March, 2010
Lions 25 v Stockport 6
Groundhog Grant!
On a fine afternoon Macclesfield Lions welcomed near neighbours Stockport to Priory Park for a feisty league game. As usual Stockport provided belligerent opposition and they managed to pull the Lions into an “arm wrestle” for long periods however the Lions showed enough touches of class to register a comfortable win as they maintained their lead at the top of the premier league.
The Lions started in the ascendancy and put together a good 20 minute period of play during which the created a number of opportunities. They took a couple; Lowden touched down after breaking through the line and Keane crashed over after an excellent, prolonged attack. With Macey also notching an early penalty the Lions had a 13 – 0 lead. Credit to Stockport who raised their game at this stage to ensure the remainder of the match was much more competitive. Stockport were next to score when they added a penalty. The Lions though more or less wrapped up victory 5 minutes before the break when good defensive pressure forced a Stockport error. Lowden capitalised to put the returning Fowles away for a try. Right on the half-time whistle Stockport added a second penalty to give an 18 – 6 score at the break.
In the second half the Lions were dragged further into a forward battle. Credit to Stockport for this though the Lions were disappointed they couldn’t get their potent back-line into the game more often. They were unlucky to have a couple of tries ruled out for as the ball was deemed to have been held-up following good forward drives. With around 10 minutes remaining they did get their backs away and Fowles was put in the clear. He raced away to touch down under the sticks. With Lowden adding the extras the final score was 25 – 6 to the Lions.
The Lions remain unbeaten and at the top of the league with this solid display. It was good to see Townsend & Fowles contributing very well after their return from injury. Keane put in a solid shift up front and behind the pack Kanauros & Lowden were the pick. However MOTM was the veteran Grant – due to a spate of injuries & a lack of availability he stepped in at hooker and wound the clock back by at least a decade with an excellent display. Next week the Lions travel up to Cumbria to face Kendal.
Team: M Devine, S Grant, S Goodfellow, N Keane, J Bostock, R Jones (c), F Hall, C Roddy, C Townsend, P Macey, J Fowles, T Davenport, J Lowden, J Keep & T Kanauros. Subs: J Poyser, P Laing & I Roberts.
Match Report
Raging Bull Cup
Broughton Park 2s v Macclesfield Lions
27th February, 2010
Park 10 v Lions 16
Lions Escape!
On a grey, damp & cool afternoon defending Champions Macclesfield Lions travelled across to local rivals Broughton Park to play the quarter-final of the Raging Bull Cup. As Park’s 1st team were also at home the tie was played on an outer pitch which was probably carrying too much water. However given lack of games recently, both sides agreed to play. As the Lions had comfortably won this season’s league fixtures they were strong favourites though Park had other ideas! Their tremendous commitment allied to a below par Lions display, aided by some strange officiating and the poor playing surface all combined to produce a tense game which in truth was low in quality.
The game started with Park scoring from their 1st possession as the Lions gifted a try. Park attacked down the blind side, the Lions defence went AWOL and they touched down in the corner. The response of the Lions was reasonable and after a good spell they were awarded a penalty which Lowden converted. 15 minutes into the game he repeated the feat and the Lions led 5 – 6. Instead of “stepping it up” from this position the Lions were kept on the back foot for most of the remainder of the half as Park monopolised territory using their slope advantage well. The Lions though showed commendable defensive resolve and they turned around with their point advantage intact.
With the slope favouring the Lions in the 2nd half it was their turn to dominate territory. A couple of minutes into the half they had a promising situation halted illegally and Lowden stepped up to strike his 3rd penalty goal. 10 minutes into the half the flow of the game was again interrupted as Park lost their hooker. As they didn’t have a front row replacement uncontested scrums ensued for the remainder of the game. The Lions re-shuffled and sent on Mair for his debut. 15 minutes from the end he was on the end of the best passage of play to touch down. Lowden added the extras and the Lions had a comfortable lead 5 – 16.
However almost immediately they yielded possession far too easily when in a promising attacking position. Park capitalised well and raced away for their second try. This brought them to within a score as it was 10 - 16. There were a few scares at each end before the final whistle but no additions to the scoreboard. The Lions therefore move into the semi-final where they’ll travel to Caldy. This was a performance to forget for most of the Lions. Laing was the unanimous MOTM. Mair too did very well and it was good to see Merriman & Roberts also come through their debuts. Next week the Lions return to league action with a home game against Stockport, kick off at 2.12pm.
Team: M Devine, K Merriman, S Goodfellow, N Keane, C Roddy, F Hall, P Laing, R Jones (c), I Roberts, J Lowden, T Davies, T Davenport, F Mulchrone, J Keep & T Kanauros. Subs: J Poyser, J Mair & P Board.
Match Report
Fylde v Macclesfield Lions
20th February, 2010
Fylde 23 v Lions 35
Lions Leave it Late!
On a fine but chilly afternoon on the Fylde coast the unbeaten record of Macclesfield Lions was put under severe pressure by the home side. Mid-way through the 2nd half the Lions were down to 14 men and conceded the lead after Fylde scored 15 points without reply. Things looked as bleak as they had all season! However they responded to the crisis superbly with an excellent passage of play which won the game and strengthened their position at the top of the league.
The Lions started the game well and opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Taylor scrambled over after a series of drives. 10 minutes later Macey added a penalty. However the Lions fluffed the re-start and Fylde took advantage to kick a drop goal - 3 – 8 to the Lions. The next 10 minutes were fairly even with Fylde competing well. On the half hour Macey nudged the Lions further ahead with another well struck penalty. Yet again though Fylde re-claimed the re-start and further poor defence from the Lions allowed them to score a try. The score was now 8 – 11. The Lions responded to the concession of a try and put together a good passage of play leading up to half-time. During which they scored a fine 2nd try when Mulchrone touched down in the corner. Macey added a good conversion and the Lions led 8 – 18 at the break.