Lions 55 - 17 Wednesbury

Match date	Saturday October 4, 2008
Match time	15:00
Match location	Home
Team	Lions
Opponent	Wednesbury

In blustery conditions Stourbridge Lions took on a Wednesbury side looking for their first league victory of the season. The Lions have had mixed fortunes also losing to Stafford and suffering a spate of injuries that has given the coaching staff a number of selection headaches.

Two seasons ago the Lions were on the receiving end of two defeats at the hands of Wednesbury and it wasn't long before the visitors were on the score sheet with a well taken penalty given the conditions.

It wasn't long though before the Lions bit back with two well taken tries scored in opposite corners by Tom Millen the second coming from a break down the blind side by Ben Perks. Neither try was converted, the wind getting the better of Lewis Collins boot.

By now the Lions could see were Wednesbury's weaknesses lay. They had a strong pack and the Lions had been on the receiving end of a number of bullocking runs from their big back row and lock forwards but Wednesbury couldn't capitalise, they didn't have the backs to take advantage.

Jacob John was soon to add to the score evading the clutches of the Wednesbury open side and scything through their midfield to score in an almost effortless manner under the posts. Lewis Collins adding the conversion.

By now the game was beginning to open up, Wednesbury were dominating in the scrum, and a brief spell of attacking rugby saw Wednesbury camped inside the Lions 22, finally crashing over but deemed ‘held up' by the referee. Despite the pressure the Lions were defending well and cleared their lines.

But the Lions were still dominating open play and Tom Millen scored again to make it a hatrick of tries. With a further try coming from Danny Cox on the wing the Lions were well in control at half time with the score at 27-3 to the Lions.

The second half began much as it had ended, two quick tries one from Danny Cox and one from back row Tom Richmond after another evasive break from Jacob John added to the Lions tally both tries converted by Jan Capewell who had taken over kicking duties from Lewis Collins. Lions 41 Wednesbury 3.

The game was now beyond Wednesbury's grasp but they were not going without a fight and they finally got on the score sheet despite some tough defending from Chris Simcox and Adam Smith. The try was converted. Lions 41 Wednesbury 10.

Wednesbury were now playing forward oriented rugby, using their powerful back 5 to drive from rucks and mauls but in the conditions their attacks would peter out as they ran out of ball carriers and options.

The Lions took advantage of the windy conditions to keep Wednesbury pinned back inside their 10 metre line and 22. This was soon to pay dividends as a fine break on half way from Lewis Collins saw the Wednesbury back line open up again. Collins was able to penetrate the Wednesbury 22 before off loading to Danny Cox who crossed easily in the corner for his hatrick. Jan Capewell added a skill full drop conversion from the touch line after the wind had blown the ball over on his initial run up. The luck was certainly with the Lions. Lions 48 Wednesbury 10. The Lions made some changes with Mike Ellis, James Metaxas and Tom Dews taking to the field.

The Lions were to score again Danny Cox, chasing a clearance kick from Nick Biddlecombe, got the better of the Wednesbury full back and hacked the ball on. The ball bounced kindly for Cox to gather and score under the posts for Jan Capewell to add yet another conversion. Lions 55 Wednesbury 10.

The game was now over but Wednesbury managed to force their way over again from yet more dominant forward play.

Final score Lions 55 - Wednesbury 17. Next week the Lions make the short journey to Bridgnorth.

Lions Scorers:-
Tries; Cox (4), Millen (3), Richmond, John
Conversions; Capewell (4), Collins (1)