L I O N S 2 0 1 2

Featherstone Lions (under 11`s) Vs Hunslet Warriors (under 11`s)

“The poor start to the game cost the Lions dear”

Featherstone Lions 14 : Hunslet Warriors 16

On a sunny but cool morning we had the pleasure of entertaining the Warriors of Leeds. Always a strong clinical side who punish any errors with tries. The previous lowest tackle count of the season was against the Hunslet Warriors back in October last year with eighty five. Today, against the same side we set the bar that bit lower with seventy six tackles made. This, as we said back then, would suggest one thing; we had the lion’s share of the possession but could not turn the possession into points.

The match got underway with Tom Tavakoli kicking deep into Hunslet territory. The early exchanges were very physical and the two away side prop forwards received a warm welcome from `the big three` of the Lions. A mistake was made due to a fantastic man and ball tackle by Bradley Gott. The Warriors were met by keen tackling up the middle and on the fifth tackle the Hunslet side hurried a kick up field. The Lions defence had more than enough time to tidy the ball and `put a name on it` hesitancy was quickly punished with the Warriors centre striding away from the lazy Lions defence. `Soft try`
As the conversion attempt was being taken, Coach Wayne Simpson asked for commitment and heart, any lazy play or mistakes would be punished at this level. The Lions forwards were more than a match for their opposite numbers and not for the first time this season, they were beginning to better them. The backs therefore should have enjoyed the benefits!

From the restart, Brad Simpson began to call the runners forward. Time and time again the forwards made excellent yardage. All too often today though, on the fourth and fifth tackles, panic set in and the ball was lost with soft knock on`s or the wrong options being taken. Hunslet countered from such and when the ball was dropped on the third tackle, their wily hooker had the vision to pass the ball out wide. Some half hearted shirt tackles on the fringes failed to stop the oppositions classy half back to score unopposed under the sticks. With hindsight had the Lions defence not let the player canter from the wing to the centre of the posts to score; the kick had it been missed would have meant that the scores may have ended even. With the half time whistle looming, again it was the forwards that were taking the Lions forward. Jack Lloyd continuing his form from last week, ran at the Hunslet defensive line. Brad Simpson having faith in his convictions kept the ball within the forwards near the Warriors try line, a burst by Bradley Gott and then Josh Mills just failed to get over the white wash. On the fifth, the ball was played to big Sam Tallent who crashed over the line to show fantastic reward for the forwards efforts. The whistle blew with the half time score 4-10 in the Warriors favour.

Ryan Dawson the pick of the backs thus far encouraged his counterparts to step up to the mark in the second half. Although missing our inspiration half back Louis Brown, there were certainly enough senior and able players within the squad to deliver.

The second half got underway with Hunslet Warriors kicking down the hill and into the strong wind. Whilst the oranges were been eaten, the Lions coach Wayne Simpson asked for basic rugby, short passes and the completion of sets. Within three tackles Bradley Gott, Sam Tallent and Buster Lloyd had got the Lions forty metres upfeild. On the fourth the ball was lost. As was the previous score by the Warriors, the Lions defenders on the fringes were found wanting, clutching at shirts, blaming each other and flailing arms about would not break down the strong running of the centre three quarters. The try was scored. If the Lions were to get anything from this game, it had to be done now! With the team seemingly fragmented they had to play to their strengths not to continue with passes that were never on, missing men out and missing tackles. Tom Tavakoli ran out of the line and made a fantastic run straight through the centre, a quick play the ball had Jack Everson making the hard yards count. A further power play by Sam Tallent meant that we were just ten metres out from the try line. Brad Simpson with renewed conviction brought Bradley Gott on the burst and no one was going to stop him from there. A well worked move in training and high fives were abound. Unfortunately the conversion was missed, more to the weather conditions however.

With seven minutes remaining, there was sufficient time, the next score had to be ours though to stand any chance. The big Hunslet forwards were out on their feet, they certainly knew they had been in a contest today no matter what the result. Josh Mills playing at second row today due to Louis Browns injury, gave 110% as he always does no matter what position he plays in, he was then a deserved winner of the team player award for his efforts. Apt then, that it was Josh who broke free of a tackle that set up the next score. Jack Lloyd made a powerful run to the right, Jack Townend came infield to take the ball up to the Hunslet defence, on impact Jack off loaded the ball into the hands of the supporting Conner Grace. One yard out, from acting half back Brad Simpson scooted over the try line to bring the Lions within four points of the Warriors. Brad earning himself the magic moment award for his efforts. This time the conversion was successful.

The final push and the game were there for the taking. Ryan Lister and Jack Sweaton never gave up trying, Alex Hopkinson began to show a bit of the form we know he is capable of and big Jack Everson continues his improvement with every match played. A couple of sets completed are what was required with the ball in hand. Try as they might the Hunslet defenders held firm. On the fifth the ball was punted up field, the Hunslet centre knocked on; this was our chance. Three or four forward drives and then judge how we would complete. Sam Tallent, Bradley Gott and Buster Lloyd again got the Lions to where they needed to be. With the Hunslet defence in disarray a quick play the ball and a power play by one of the forwards would surely win it? A missed pass to the backs and a knock on followed, the whistle blew for full time. With concentration from the off by all of the team, this game could so easily have been won. Three out of the fourteen players on show today, made more than 48% of the tackles, statistics that are a coaches nightmare and stats that also show that some of the squad are all too willing to let the others do their work for them.




Final Thoughts:

“ Team cohesion between the backs and forwards certainly would have made a difference today. There are no better forwards in the league but they can not do it on their own”

Tries;

Sam Tallent 1
Bradley Gott 1
Brad Simpson 1

Kicks;

Tom Tavakoli 1

Top Tackler(s);

Bradley Gott 18
Jack Lloyd 10
Josh Mills 9

Man of the Match;

Bradley Gott; deserved to be in the winning team today, another awesome display both in attack and defence.

Magic Moment;

Brad Simpson; `a cheeky try` that got us back within touching distance

Team Player Award;

Josh Mills; did his utmost to link the forwards and backs, another player unlucky to be on the losing side