Match Report

Macclesfield Lions V Preston Grasshoppers 2s

2^nd May, 2009

Lions 19 v Hoppers 15

Lions Crowned Cup Champions!

Macclesfield Lions travelled over to Birkenhead Park on a fine afternoon to play Preston Grasshoppers in the final of the Halbro Cup. As the Lions had comfortably beaten Hoppers in both leagues games earlier in the season, they were favourites going into the final. However they knew Hoppers would raise their game for such an encounter and, sure enough, a close nail biting contest ensued.

Despite a delayed kick off due to extra time in an earlier final the Lions started the game well and had Hoppers under immediate pressure. Hoppers defended with vigour and the Lions could only manage a penalty from their opening efforts. Hoppers were growing in confidence and equalised after 15 minutes. For the remainder of the half the Lions just held the upper hand but couldn’t fully capitalise. All they had to show for their efforts was a penalty and a drop goal by Roberts as they finished the half 9 – 3 ahead.  

With Hoppers competing well at the breakdown the Lions knew they had to up their game in the second half. However Hoppers had other ideas and some quick witted play from a quick line-out enabled them to score the game’s first try 10 minutes into the half. The response from the Lions was measured & impressive. The forwards upped their game further to monopolise possession which half backs Rice & Roberts used well. Pressure on the Hoppers line was built and finally breached when Roberts found himself in space. He dummied to the supporting Kanauros and crossed the line on the hour.

5 minutes later came the best moment of the match. Leading try scorer Owens received the ball around the halfway line with nothing much on. As he has done all season he found a way around the first line of defence and then waltzed around the cover to speed away for the key score of the game as the Lions stretched their lead to 19 – 8. Hoppers refused to accept defeat and 10 minutes before the end scored an excellent try themselves which was converted. Now it was 19 – 15 to the Lions and the game was in the balance again. The Lions though closed the game out well, apart from a minor panic from another quick line-out. The Lions should really have scored another try or two from the positions they had on the Preston line as the game drew to a close.

A relieved Lions side were glad to hear the final whistle at the end of a very competitive game. Collectively the forwards took the honours for the Lions. Goodfellow, Taylor and Craine dominated their opposite numbers. Keane and then Kerr drove the pack on all afternoon. Roddy and Sugden supplied good line-out ball and Jones & Sayce were everywhere. Behind them the backs weren’t as cohesive as they usually are. A numbers of breaks were made by Bartle, Duggan and Wellock without reward. MOTM was Ian Roberts who kept the scoreboard ticking over and used possession very well to keep the Lions on the front foot.

Captain Jones collected the Cup and the celebrations began. These continued at the Players Dinner where Chris Roddy picked up the award for Most Improved Player, Iain Taylor was named Clubman of the Season and Richard Jones was honoured with Player of the Season.       

Team: Craine, Taylor I, Goodfellow, Roddy, Keane, Sugden, Jones (c), Sayce, Rice, Roberts, Duggan, Bartle, Owens, Kanauros & Wellock. Subs: Hammonds, Bostock, Kerr, Taylor J & Watts.

Match Report

Leigh 2s v Macclesfield Lions

25^th April, 2009

Leigh 0 v Lions 51

Lions Beat Spirited Leigh!

Macclesfield Lions travelled over to Leigh on a sunny afternoon for their final league game of the season against a home side needing a victory to avoid relegation. Therefore Leigh played with great commitment and endeavour however they couldn’t cope with the strength and skill of the Lions, particularly in the set piece where the Lions had a significant advantage.

The game started a little sluggishly and it took 10 minutes for the Lions to open the scoring when Wellock received an inviting pass from Owens. Roberts added the conversion and then slotted a penalty 5 minutes later to stretch the Lions lead to 0 – 10. 10 minutes later Sayce scored a pushover as the Lions pack pressed home their set-piece domination and soon after Owens used his strength to touchdown. On the half-time whistle Roberts nudged over another penalty and the Lions led 0 – 23 at the break.

At the start of the second half the Lions enjoyed their best period of the game. From a line-out steal Sayce crept over for his second try. This was followed by a great individual try from Jack Taylor and soon after Kanauros also scored a fine individual effort. Roberts converted all 3 and the score was 0 – 44 to the Lions. Credit at this point to Leigh who instead of falling away rallied and showed great spirit. They stretched the Lions defence several times and were unlucky not to score. The Lions though were determined to concede nothing and benefited from some great individual pieces of defensive play. As the game came to a close the Lions were to score again when Iain Taylor sneaked over after a close scrum. With Roberts adding the conversion the final score was 0 -51. 

This was another solid performance by the Lions who finish as league runners up to Sedgley Park. Unfortunately Leigh are relegated. Throughout the game the Lions set-piece was excellent. Goodfellow, Donaldson & Craine dominated the scrum and Roddy & MOTM Sugden secured almost all the line-out ball. Unfortunately, as a team they didn’t look after the ball as well as they can and some of their back play was a little disjointed. Things they’ll work on in training this week in preparation for the final game of the season – The Halbro Cup Final v Preston Grasshoppers. The game is being held at Birkenhead Park and KO is 3.3pm.

Team: Craine, Donaldson, Goodfellow, Roddy, Keane, Kerr, Sugden, Sayce (c), Kanauros, Roberts, Duggan, Bartle, Owens, Taylor J & Wellock. Subs: Taylor I, Jones & Hardwick.

Match Report

Preston Grasshoppers 2s v Macclesfield Lions

18^th April, 2009

PGH 6 v Lions 43

Grasshoppers Irritate the Lions!

Macclesfield Lions travelled up to Preston for their penultimate league game of the season against a Hoppers side which had only lost once at home. As this was also a preview of the Halbro Cup Final in 2 weeks time an interesting game was promised and despite the score a competitive game was served up.

The Lions started well and within 5 minutes top scorer Owens was on the end of a fine move. Roberts added the conversion and the Lions led 0 - 7. Despite creating a number of further chances the Lions had to wait another 15 minutes for their next score when Roberts knocked over a penalty. 10 minutes later Rice showed his knowledge of the rules to touch down after Hoppers allowed the ball the cross their line from a ruck. With the score 0 – 15 the Lions should have upped their game, however the reverse happened. They started to miss tackles and coughed up easy possession though their scramble defence still functioned well. Hoppers did score a long range penalty just before the break to give a half-time score of 3 – 15.

Hoppers started the second period as they had finished the first and were growing in confidence. They scored another penalty soon after the restart to close to 6 – 15. The Lions responded with a good break by Owens who put Wellock away for a try. Roberts converted and the Lions had stretched their lead to 6 – 22. Hoppers though were enjoying their best spell of the game and were competing well. Injuries though began to disrupt their efforts. This and the Lions pressure began to take effect as the game moved into the final quarter.

On the hour Roberts took advantage of support and broke some tackles to score a good try. With 5 minutes remaining he was then on the end of a decent move to complete his brace. Finally with the last move of the game Jack Taylor raced away to touchdown in the corner. Roberts converted all 3 to give a final score of 6 – 43.

This was an OK performance by the Lions on the road against good opponents. They know they can play a lot better but still managed a convincing win. They also know they’ll have to improve for the Cup Final against the same opponents – Hoppers will definitely improve! The set piece play was probably the highlight for the Lions as the tight forwards provide ample quality ball. Behind the scrum Roberts had a solid game, scoring 23 points and Jack Taylor’s contribution was error free. Frankie Barker just edged them both as MOTM for a good around display embellished by his fielding of the kick offs and line out play.

The Lions are on their travels again next week when they visit Leigh for their final league game. KO 3pm.

Team: Craine, Donaldson, Goodfellow, Roddy, Keane, Kerr, Jones (c), Barker, Rice, Roberts, Wellock, Bartle, Owens, Taylor J & Macey. Subs: Hammonds, Sugden & Hopkins.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v Birkenhead Park 2s

13^th April, 2009

Lions 48 v Park 10

Lions Romp at the Park

Macclesfield Lions played their last home game of the season on a wonderful Spring day at Priory Park on Easter Monday. Birkenhead Park travelled across with a big, boisterous side and challenged well for the first 30 minutes or so. However the stamina, speed and skill of the Lions eventually ensured a comfortable home win. Particularly in the second half when the Lions put together some great passages of play.

The game started with an opening quarter of thrust and counter thrust. The only score during this period was a penalty by Roberts for the home side. On 20 minutes Park took the lead with a well worked converted try from the back of a scrum, though the Lions were disappointed with their defence. No matter as the response was excellent particularly from “Jack in the Box” scrum half Kanauros. He scored a great individual try and quickly followed it by making another for winger Watts. However Park weren’t done and a penalty for them just before the break meant the half-time score was 13 – 10 to the Lions.

At the break the Lions had a chat about over eagerness and a little casualness with some of the chances they had created in the opening period. Improvements were soon evident as at the start of the second half Captain Jones & Roddy combined to put Allen in space. He capitalised fully and finished with aplomb. Roberts converted. Then, following a great defensive phase by the Lions, Roddy and Allen again combined this time to put Duggan clear. Roberts added the extras and the Lions had the game at their mercy with the score 27 -10.

During the final quarter they pushed home their advantage to score 3 more converted tries. The first of these came from quick 1^st phase ball which enabled them to run a well rehearsed move for Duggan to cross. Then Duggan made another break and put JJ Jones clear to cross the line. Finally Jack Taylor superbly cut through the Park defence before feeding fellow substitute Davenport to make the final score 48 – 10.

This was a good performance by the Lions, especially in the second half when they scored 35 unanswered points. Everybody contributed, up front Roddy, Sugden and a rejuvenated Kerr took the eye. Behind them Kanauros & Roberts combined well. MOTM though was the “Hacksaw” Danny Duggan who is back to his best form.

The Lions finish the season with 3 games on the road. On April 25^th they travel to Leigh for their final league game. This is sandwiched by a couple of games against Preston Grasshoppers. First of all they travel to Preston for a league game on 18^th April, KO 3pm and then finish the season with Halbro Cup Final v Preston on May 2^nd. The final is being held at Birkenhead Park, KO 3,30pm.

Team: Craine, Moss, Donaldson, Roddy, Kerr, Sugden. Allen, Jones R (c), Kanauros, Roberts, Watts, Bartle, Laing, Duggan & Jones D. Subs: Bostock, Davenport & Taylor.

Match Report

Liverpool St Helens 2s v Macclesfield Lions

10^th April, 2009

LSH 10 v Lions 36

Lions Dig for Victory

Macclesfield Lions defeated a competent LSH in a rearranged Good Friday fixture. As ever, it seems, when the Lions travel to LSH the heavens opened and the game was played in greasy conditions. As the Lions had comfortably beat LSH at home earlier in the season and given their respective league positions a routine away win was expected. However the Lions were prepared for a strengthened home side and a competitive game ensued.

LSH began the game well and also had the benefit of some refereeing decisions. They took the lead 10 minutes in with a penalty. After a sluggish opening the Lions eventually started to play, particularly through some of their elusive runners in the backs. Several chances were spurned before Price touched down on 20 minutes after his clever kick and chase. Skipper Macey converted. For the remainder of the half the Lions were on top though they didn’t play with the precision and ball retention necessary. Two further scores came in the half. After half an hour Taylor crashed over after some short range drives and then Hammonds broke free 5 minutes later. Macey added a conversion and the Lions led 3 – 19 at the end of the first period.

The second half was a little less exciting (or frustrating depending on your view-point) as the Lions tightened up the game to some degree. LSH defended with commitment and frustrated several good breaks by the Lions. However as the game reached the final quarter the constant pressure was eventually reflected on the scoreboard. With 15 minutes remaining Fowles scored after further good play by Price (converted by Macey) and then Keane burst over following perceptive play by Bartle. With the score now 3 - 31 the Lions were guilty of their sloppiest passage of play which allowed LSH a deserved late converted try. The game finished on a positive note though for the Lions as substitute Laing scored the last try. Final score 10 -36.  

This was a reasonable performance by the Lions. Given the conditions and strength of their opponents they should really have been more patient and looked after the ball a little better. However their skill & speed eventually proved to be the difference as they ended up comfortable winners. Mention too of their defence, which apart from one sloppy try was excellent. Individually Hopkins & Keane were competitive up front and Barker & Sugden showed great potential. Behind them the “old heads” of Rice, Macey & Bartle eventually established a degree of control. MOTM was Price who just edged the strong running Jones.

The Lions return to Priory Park on Easter Monday for another re-arranged game v Birkenhead Park. KO 3pm.

Team: Craine, Donaldson, Taylor, Sugden. Keane, Hopkins, Hammonds, Barker, Rice, Macey(c), Fowles, Mosey, Bartle, Jones D & Price. Subs: Hehir, Roddy & Laing.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v West Park St Helens 2s

4^th April, 2009

Lions 105 v West Park 0

Lions Overwhelm West Park

Macclesfield Lions comfortably beat West Park St. Helens at a sunny Priory Park to keep the pressure on league leaders Sedgley Park. West Park had only won once this season and when they turned up with a number of colts & no front row (thus uncontested scrums from the start) a comfortable home win was expected. As the league maybe decided by points difference the Lions were in no mood to relax and played a very structured game as they ran in 17 tries.

Though West Park lacked experience, size and speed they never gave in. A number of their players tackled themselves to a standstill and whenever they had the ball the attacked cleverly testing the Lions defence several times.

For the record the scorers for the Lions were Captain Jones, Mosey 2, Donaldson, Roberts 2 (+ 9 conversions), Duggan 2, Kanauros, Roddy 2, Sayce 2, Owens 2 (+ 1 conversion), Barker & Kerr. These came at regular intervals as the Lions ran through their full repertoire.

Next week the Lions embark on a busy Easter period as they catch up on games postponed in January. Firstly on Good Friday they travel to Liverpool St Helens for an afternoon kick off. On Easter Monday they return to Priory Park as they entertain Birkenhead Park, kick off 3.00pm. In between, on Saturday several members of the squad will be involved in the Cheshire Cup Final.

Team: Goodfellow, Donaldson, Robinson, Roddy. Keane, Jones (c), Hammonds, Sayce, Kanauros, Roberts, Wellock, Owens, Mosey, Duggan & Price. Subs: Kerr, Barker & Hodkinson.

Match Report

Stockport 2s v Macclesfield Lions

28^th March, 2009

Stockport 20 v Lions 35

Lions Scrap for the Win!

Macclesfield Lions beat local rivals Stockport on Saturday to keep the pressure on league leaders Sedgley Park. Despite suffering heavy rain and hailstones during the warm-up the game was played in sunshine, though the strong wind blowing down the pitch gave the side playing to the clubhouse a distinct advantage.

Against the wind the Lions started brightly and soon worked themselves in a good position. From an attacking scrum the ball was moved at pace and space was created for the skilful Owens who cantered over after 5 minutes. For the next 10 minutes Stockport scrapped their way into the game and scored a converted try from close range to take the lead 7 – 5. Although competing well for possession and not getting too distracted by the tactics of their opponents the Lions were struggling for territory. After 25 minutes they did reach the Stockport 22 and fully capitalised with a well worked line-out which saw Moss cross in the corner. On their next foray Roberts added a penalty to stretch the lead to 7 – 13. However concentration was lost and Stockport were given an immediate opportunity to reply with a penalty of their own. Half-time score 10 – 13.

Five minutes into the second period scrum half Kanauros scored a terrific individual try as he danced through the home defence. Roberts added the conversion and 10 minutes later a penalty as the Lions began to stretch away 10 – 23. Yet again though they relaxed and conceded possibly their worse score of the season as a catalogue of handling errors and missed tackles gifted their opponents a try. The Lions responded well to this disaster to close the game out with 2 excellent scores. First the strong running Wellock started the move which was completed by some fine passing to give Duggan the touchdown. This was quickly followed by a great breakaway score from Owens who collected Macey’s kick ahead and raced away. Roberts converted and the Lions led 35 – 15. The game finished scrappily with the Lions down to 14 men after a yellow card for Kanauros and Stockport completed the scoring with another try from close-in. Final score 35 - 15.

This was a good win on the road for the Lions against committed opponents. In truth they were a little disappointed that they weren’t able to control the game a little better and allowed themselves to be drawn into an “arm wrestle”. Although the forwards competed well the difference between the sides were the backs. In particular Stockport had no answer to the skills of Owens, Wellock and MOTM Macey.

Next week the Lions return to Priory Park as they entertain West Park St Helens, KO 2.15pm. Get down early prior to the 1^st Team game.  

Team: Donaldson, Moss, Goodfellow, Rawles, Kerr, Sugden, Hammonds, Jones (C), Kanauros, Roberts, Taylor J, Macey, Owens, Duggan & Wellock. Subs: Taylor I, Keane & Watts.

Match Report

Sedgley Park 2s v Macclesfield Lions

21^st March, 2009

Halbro Cup Semi-final

Park 5 v Lions 19

Committed Lions Crush Champions!

Macclesfield Lions travelled up to North Manchester to play Champions and league leaders Sedgley Park in the semi-final of the Halbro Cup. As Park had already beaten the Lions in 2 closely fought league encounters the challenge ahead was a difficult one. However the Lions played with a commitment and drive which ensured they came away with a deserved victory.

From the outset the Lions took the game to Park. However solid defence by them meant the Lions couldn’t capitalise on a number of good opportunities. After 20 minutes they finally broke the deadlock with a fine penalty. For the rest of the half the game followed a similar pattern with the Lions pressing and Park defending resolutely. The unfortunate Hopkins left the field after 30 minutes with a nasty cut. He was ably replaced by Sugden, who along with Roddy dominated the line-out all afternoon. There were no further scores and the half ended with the Lions 3 – 0 up.

Despite being the better side in the half the Lions were concerned they didn’t have enough points on the board. Importantly they didn’t let this affect their second half performance which they again started well. After 5 minutes a fine break put winger Watts free on the outside. He was cynically pulled back. The referee awarded a penalty and yellow carded the culprit. From the touch finder the Lions showed commendable patience and after a series of drives Kerr crashed over. Roberts added the extras and the Lions had a 10 – 0 lead.

After 50 minutes the Lions too suffered a yellow card when Iain Taylor was penalised for a scrum offence. As Taylor was in the front row try scorer Kerr had to take the 10 minutes as at the next scrum Donaldson entered the fray and with Moss & Goodfellow continued to provide a solid platform. During this time the Lions continued to attack and increased their lead with 2 excellent penalties from the sure footed Roberts. 16 – 0 to the Lions.

With 20 minutes remaining and with nothing to lose Park began to the chance their arm and had their best period of the game. The Lions though were extremely determined and repelled Park robustly. Kerr & Jones used all their experience to drive on the pack and the excellent Hammonds seemed to be everywhere making tackle after tackle. With 10 minutes remaining Park did score a well worked try in the corner. No matter as the Lions went up the field and won a penalty which Roberts again converted. The Lions now led the game 19 – 5 and had the game won.

This was a hard-fought win by the Lions. With a cool wind blowing across a grassless pitch conditions weren’t ideal and in truth there was not much free flowing rugby played. This didn’t bother the Lions who had come to avenge the 2 league defeats and move into the final. Rice marshalled his pack superbly well. Davenport & Bartle were colossal in defence and attacked with directness & aggression. With limited ball wings Wellock & Watts constantly got beyond the gain-line and Kanauros impressed at full-back. MOTM was Roberts who kept the Lions on the front foot all game and kicked his goals exceptionally well.   

The Lions now entertain Preston Grasshoppers in the Halbro Cup Final at Birkenhead Park on May 2^nd, KO at 3.30pm. Next week the Lions return to league action as they travel to local rivals Stockport. KO 2.30pm. 

Team: Taylor I, Moss, Goodfellow, Roddy, Kerr, Hopkins, Hammonds, Jones (C), Rice, Roberts, Watts, Davenport, Bartle, Wellock & Kanauros. Subs: Donaldson, Sugden & Taylor J.

Match Report

Caldy 2s v Macclesfield Lions

7th March, 2009

Caldy 10 v Lions 36

Caldy Crushed by Rampant Lions!

Macclesfield Lions made the cross County journey to the Wirral on a blustery afternoon to play a competent Caldy side. Caldy have enjoyed a good run recently and were 3^rd in the league just behind the Lions at the start of play. The Lions expected a competitive game and they weren’t let down. As the Caldy 1^st team were also at home the game was played on the second pitch which has a prodigious slope. With a strong wind also blowing across the pitch conditions were not ideal.

Caldy had first use of the slope and attacked the Lions from the outset. However the Lions showed admirable resilience and defended stoutly. They did concede a penalty after 10 minutes but responded almost immediately with a fine passage of play which culminated in Roberts equalising with a superb drop goal. Despite the slope the Lions gradually gained the ascendancy and several excellent breaks went unrewarded due to committed Caldy defence or a lack of precision by the Lions. Just before half-time they finally scored the try their play merited when Smithson crashed over after several strong runs by the pack. Roberts converted and the Lions led 10 – 3.

With the slope in their favour in the second half the Lions dominance grew and they soon had the game at their mercy. The enigmatic Owens broke through to score after 50 minutes. He repeated the trick 10 minutes later. Roberts converted both as the Lions stretched their led to 24 – 3. With the game won the Lions relaxed and fluffed the kick off which eventually resulted in a Caldy score under the posts. Caldy followed this with their best phase of the game which the Lions weathered well before responding impressively to close the game out, again!

With 10 minutes remaining the impish Kanauros, filling in admirably at scrum half, scored a wonderful individual try. He took a quick penalty and waltzed through the defence. Finally Sayce applied the finishing touch to a great first phase move off an attacking scrum. Roberts converted and the Lions won 36 – 10.

This was an accomplished all round display from the Lions. They defended robustly when needed and attacked with aggression, skill and flair. The only minor criticism was an occasional lack of patience and precision following the creation of several good situations. Up front Goodfellow, Hammonds, Donaldson & Taylor performed well at the “coal-face” especially in the first-half when they scrummaged up hill! Rawles, on his return from injury, and Hopkins ruled the line-out and carried well. Smithson (also returning from injury) was a constant threat from the base and Sayce and Jones were in the middle of everything. Behind them Kanauros prompted well at scrum-half and Roberts enjoyed his best game of the season at fly-half. The back three of Thomas (and Laing when he came on), Watts & Mosey defended well and counter attacked cleverly. Just edging them all for MOTM was Davenport in his first game of the season. Along with Owens he formed a strong centre partnership, smashed numerous holes in attack and was immovable in defence.    

Next week the Lions return to Priory Park v Kendal. KO 2.30pm. 

Team: Goodfellow, Taylor, Donaldson, Rawles, Hopkins, Jones (C), Sayce, Smithson, Kanauros, Roberts, Watts, Davenport, Owens, Thomas & Mosey. Subs Laing, Hammonds & Hehir.

Match Report

Manchester 2s v Macclesfield Lions

21st February, 2009

Manchester 3 v Lions 52

Manchester Mauled by Lions!

Macclesfield Lions made the short journey over to Grove Park on a cool but dry February. As this was a clash between 2^nd & 3^rd in the league a close, competitive game was expected. However the Lions proved to be too fast, strong and skilful for the home side.

The game started with a scrappy period of play as both sides looked to establish the upper-hand. With the Lions using the wind well to dominate territory it wasn’t long before they started to create chances. This was turned into points when Wellock capitalised on solid forward play to score after 15 minutes. Manchester replied well and kicked a penalty after their best period of play to close the score to 3 – 5.

From this point on though, the Lions dominated the rest of the half with a fine attacking display. In the process they added 4 tries: Hopkins benefited from further good play by the forwards after 25 minutes, Needham crossed soon after following good combination play between Keane & Roddy, after 35 minutes Sayce capitalised on one of many takes against the head to score a push over and the best was saved until just before the break when Kanauros went on a scintillating run before eventually finding Sayce who crossed unopposed. Roberts converted 3 and the Lions led 3 – 31.

At the start of the second half the Lions initially struggled for the same fluidity against the wind and more particularly as Manchester upped their game. They were also guilty of a lack of precision & patience. However at the midway point in the half the Lions again “clicked into gear”. With the wind negating the benefit of kicks they choose to run the ball from all areas and following a series of breaks Sayce took a quick penalty and put Owens away on the hour. Sayce then completed his hat-trick after another flowing move moments later. Finally, just before the final whistle, Winskil capped a good performance after his late call up to score a breakaway. Roberts converted them all and the Lions won 3 – 52.

This was a solid display by the Lions. From around the mid-way point in both periods they put together some high quality play. The also defended with vigour when required, particularly when down to 14 men in the second half due to a strange yellow card for Mosey. Kent, Goodfellow, Craine & Moss dominated up front taking ample ball against the head, Roddy & Hopkins bossed the line-out and Keane, Hammonds, Sayce and Captain Jones thrived in the loose. Collectively the forwards were too strong and committed for their opponents.

Behind the scrum Roberts, Rice & Needham controlled the game well and Mosey, Owens, Wellock & Winskil attacked with verve and defended robustly. Just edging them all though as MOTM was pocket sized full back Tom Kanauros who had a faultless display – his defence was secure and he penetrated every time in attack.

Next week the Lions return to Priory Park v Waterloo. KO 2.30pm. 

Team: Craine, Moss, Goodfellow, Roddy, Keane, Hopkins, J