SEASON IN STATISTICS
Games played: 25
Games won: 17
Games drawn: 2

Games lost: 5

Leading points scorer: Paul Pugh 172 (63 cons, 7 pens, 5 tries)
Leading try-scorer: Vanny 12
Player of the year: ???

Match Reports

28th March 2009 - Home v Aylestone Athletic (27-24)

Despite Daniel’s confident assurances, yet another match day arrived with the mythical tee shirts still to appear, his failure to deliver no longer a surprise and placidly accepted by his team mates. The fate of his employer no longer a surprise to those of you who know him. On a brighter note, as the only game at home, the opportunity to play on one of the top pitches close to the clubhouse was available to our Captain however whilst waiting for his own team to arrive had used the time wisely, watching today’s young opposition running through some moves and displaying their abundant pace 20 minutes before kick off, this and knowledge of how narrow the victory had been on the previous meeting 4 weeks earlier forced the captain to make an executive decision and to deploy to the bottom field.
With several regular backs missing Nango had opportunity to bring in Neil Hurst for his first run out this term on the wing and new boy, Iain Langridge took a place on the bench, he also used the occasion to experiment with Vanny on the back row. The rain & hail of earlier in the day desisted and Matt Gardner, filling in at stand off for the poorly Puggy (still recovering from Mother’s Day & a rib injury) got the game underway with a strong wind at his back. The visitors fumbled the kick off and in doing so set a pattern for the next 20 minutes when it appeared that neither side had brought a pair of hands to the game, the busiest man on the pitch being the referee calling for countless scrums as individually and collectively both sides knocked the ball on or put the pass behind the player. The wind and some excellent positional kicking from Matt Gardner kept Lions deep in the opposition 22 for long periods during this period of supremacy several scoring opportunities went unrewarded as Athletic defended valiantly. An attempted drop goal from the stand in stand off sailed narrowly wide resulting in the kicker receiving a chastisement from his angry Captain, the first of many reprimands Nango was to deliver to his team during the game.
A blood injury to one of the Athletic props saw a long delay in play as numerous attempts to stem the bleeding using Vaseline, tissue paper, soil, fingers and an assortment of other things that could be forced up the unfortunate protuberance all failed spectacularly. Eventually a temporary replacement took the field and the game restarted whilst the indignant prop bled incessantly on the side line.

More Lions pressure was to follow, allowing Matt Cunningham to tumble over for a deserved score, which, much to Lions disappointment, the referee failed to spot from his unsighted position on the wrong side of the ruck (Argumentum ad nauseam by a resentful Matt in the changing room and clubhouse after the game and probably later at home that night). When called back for another scrum, the visitors took the ball against the head and cleared their lines, nevertheless this was only to be a temporary respite as the next play saw Phil SoN, in his last game for the club before his self imposed exile to Devon, cut through the defence and time a perfect pass to Adrian Gyles, who, cutting back inside, beat the cover and raced in for a score close to the posts, Matt in true Puggy style slotted the kick, 7-0.
The restart saw Lions quickly return to the Athletic line after some penetrative runs from both Stu & Adrian in the centres and when a ruck was established inches short of the try line another score appeared inevitable however the ball was stolen by the visitors back row and after dancing through a couple of wretched tackles released a colleague to chased down the length of the pitch for a score beneath the posts 7-7. In true Lions fashion the game fell apart as the Visitors with their new found confidence began to find their pass, a second score followed shortly after 7-12. A shoulder injury to Phil SoN effectively ended his last game prematurely and new boy Iain stepped in as a direct replacement on the wing. He must have questioned his decision to turn up as having been on the pitch less than a minute and made a tremendous first tackle he was back under his own posts as the third Athletic try was being converted 7-17. With all the spectators now apoplectic with rage at the lack of effort (Powelly, coaching from the touchline, had turned purple), Lions rose from their slumber and showed the intent that had been missing since losing the lead. Big Cookie in his new role of ball carrier drove the pack forward, setting up ruck & maul securing good ball for Buster to distribute, predominately to Matt Gardner’s feet or occasionally to imaginary players at either side of the stand off, this aside Lions managed to again get close to the visitors line and a move to the narrow side saw the debut boy capture a debut try in the corner 12-17.

As half time arrived, the wind that had helped Lions concentrate play in the Visitors half decided to abate. With the Vanny experiment clearly not as successful as had been hoped he reverted to the centres, Nango reorganised his pack to accommodate the bench, Little Cookie, who had already made his way to the sideline was forced to return when Chris complained / advised that the rest of the pack were too heavy to lift at the lineout! Wayne stepped in at prop, Stan to hooker, Winsland, & Dave Allison (now 40) joined the back row. The first action of the second half saw Lions take the ball close to the Athletic line were Buster received some impromptu chiropractics from the opposition & his own team mates at the base of a ruck. The rearranged pack now imposed itself and after several drives from Lineout and maul were rewarded with a 5m scrum which they managed to push over the try line for Walshie to grab a score, 17-17. Further scores went begging with both Stu & Vanny knocking on in spectacular fashion with the line at their mercy before the new boy got his second score 22-17 after successfully juggling an unexpected pass from Stu. Lions continued to squandered further opportunities; Winsland denying his captain a certain try for the second game in succession, holding on to the ball too long, he then chose to trump this abjuration with a hatrick of penalties on consecutive plays.

Tour Money Needed Now!!!

14th March 2009 - Home v Broadstreet Classics (29-24)

Another Saturday with the sun shining and a gusting wind to contend with, and Nango had gathered together a respectable band of 22 to take on the might of Broadstreet Classics. When playing the equivalent Broadstreet side we usually have a hard fought and close encounter and this proved to be just such a game. With a variety of replacements at his disposal Nango took to the bench due to bilateral thumb injuries (both thumbs). (In discussions with Stan in the bar afterwards he wished for any big words that might appear in the match report to be explained).The ace up our sleeve this week was welcoming the return of the prodigal Rob Wetherall not seen for a number of years in a rugby shirt. As penance for this Nango didn’t put him on in the first half and made him run touch.
The match kicked off with Vanny failing to judge the wind and kicking straight into touch to give Broadstreet the scrum, but a thumping tackle from Stu Watson saw us turn over the ball, and further good work from Gozzo and Wilba resulted in a penalty. Buster rolling back the years once again took a quick tap, fed the backs who were just held up short. We continued to put the pressure on and were awarded a 5 yard scrum. From this the bigger lions pack got a shove on and with some skilful control at the base of the scrum Gozzo was able to complete the pushover try. Puggy converting to make it 7-0.

7th March 2009 - Away v Market Harborough (10-15)

Despite travelling with 24 players the return match to Market Harborough saw Nango’s perennial shortage of backs continue with Vanny: awol, Colonel: ill, Togga: still broken & Daniel on a fact finding mission to Bradford, the problem was exacerbated when Matt Gardner, having made the journey, failed to complete the 100 yards walk from the car park to the changing room, the only positive being the temporary return of Devon bound Phil SoN. With the home club fulfilling 3 fixtures it was a logistical necessity for the Lions team to share their broom cupboard sized changing room with the opposition and to change in shifts, the game already in full flow before the replacements had taken their place on the side line.

Songhusrt again guesting for the vets was the self appointed touch judge and child minder (his protective instincts and threats of violence ensured Henry Cooke was on his best behaviour) unfortunately Jim’s limited attention span meant that 10 minutes later, Dave Allison had been seconded to touch judge and Stotty was now in charge of the nursery. The game during this time had failed to deliver anything like as much excitement, both teams shared possession equally but the home side had the territorial upper hand, helped immensely by the inability of Lions to keep their hands out of the ruck which was spotted and penalised by the referee with unfailing consistency.

After the early exchanges the home side had by now become aware of the ample strapping and the distinctive aroma of embrocation emanating from the Lions fullback and embarked on an ariel bombardment to test the extent of his injuries, Charlie manfully cleared his lines with a deft boot on the first two occurrences before delegating kicking duties to his less mummified wings. Notwithstanding Lions determined tackling and Puggy kicking imperiously from hand, the home side eventually received reward their territorial superiority deserved. Following a hopeful kick and chase, Market Harborough recovered the ball from the resultant ruck to drop over the line in the corner (5-0). Parity was quickly restored when Lions second visit to the Harborough half saw a scrummage unsettle the Harborough pack and drive them backwards at a rate of knots, the ball came free and scrum half Buster rolled back the years with a darting break for the line and although held up short was able to off load to Rich Alex who stumbled over for the score (5-5).
The home side continued to pressure the Lions line but each attack was repulsed by a rarely seen fortitude in the Lions defence and at the ground where Tudgy first patented the sleeping policeman tackle he found opportunity to invent a new, never seen before move, the “Strictly on Ice pirouette to touch” which drew rapturous applause from the spectators gathered along the touch line. The final play of the half was a kick at goal from the home team which was both short and wide, which as Songhurst put it was a suitable description of Wayne!

Regardless of the whole hearted performances delivered by Lions pack, at half time a ruthless Nango replaced all but Wilba; Chris, Tudgy, Big Matt, Big & Little Cookie, Aidy Smith & Rich Alex made way for Sharpy, Stan (lets hope he can keep his fists to himself this week), Wayne, Songhurst, Winsland, Dave Allison & Walshy respectively. The one replacement not to take the field was new boy Neil whose misfortune it was to play in the same position as the captain. The fresh legs made for an immediate change of destiny with the play now concentrated in the Harborough half, Stu Watson making penetrative runs at every opportunity and Puggy’s boot pinning the home side in their own 22. The first score of the second half came quickly with Charlie and Nango combining to leave Phil SoN in space to race thorough for a try under the posts which to Puggy’s annoyance the referee had determined was to the side of the posts and not where the now apoplectic stand off had tee’d up his kick, despite this the kick was despatched with aplomb (5-12).
Stu Watson and Phil SoN were now seeing a lot of the ball as Puggy elected to pass rather than kick and further tries seemed inevitable however the good work from Charlie and wings Adrian & Nango went unrewarded, Nango was particularly aggrieved when he realised none of his team were able to pass to the right, aptly demonstrated by Winsland, who having made a break and committed the last defender failed to get the ball to his captain who with a clear run to the line was already preparing his touchdown celebration.

The indiscipline displayed by the Lions pack of the first half had now permeated the second half pack or more likely, the instigator of the first half (Wilba) was still on the pitch and through a litany of rule breaking & penalties, brought the home side back in to the game with an unopposed run in for the score (10-12) the Lions lead only preserved by a missed conversion. With the clock eventually running down, the ref had taken it upon himself to stop the clock for each break in play (something normally abhorrent to a vets game), Lions found themselves the recipient of a penalty in a kickable position, Puggy stepped up and to the relief of his team mates extended the lead (10-15). The final whistle followed and both teams retired to the clubhouse.Returning to the club house, enjoying Adrian Gyles' birthday beer, Lions had opportunity to see Shepshed despatch Harborough’s 2nd XV in a similar manner as had been endured by on ourselves a couple of weeks earlier.

28th February 2009 - Home v Aylestone Athletic (24-22)

On a beautiful spring-like Saturday during which surely even Walshie could age a mere twenty four hours, the Lions Vets assembled for their next challenge, Aylestone Athletic III. Any rumours that their side was seconds or firsts or any combination of both (see match report 15/3/08) were quashed in the knowledge that Lions threes were playing Athletic firsts so that their seconds could honour a Leicestershire League Division Three game.
Somewhat earlier in the day the Lions Captain had received a phone call from Malc informing him that there was to be no society referee for the vets game due to illness or some other misfortune to the person appointed. Not a problem to the resourceful skipper who immediately had Dave Cornwall on standby referee duty. This was superfluous as by the time the 85 bus had turned into Southway, a replacement ref had been found. The new appointee, a former vet at Kibworth, was waiting at the club to greet Nango at 1.15 asking if he had a side. After taking a couple of breaths to absorb the incredulous question, and then count the ticks on his teamsheet (2) he replied, no. However, he optimistically quipped, by 2.05 we will have fifteen players and three subs, knowing the reliability of the team. This may have been the seed that saw the tree of refereeing decisions grow in a manner not entirely favourable to the home team. There are of course alternative views.

21st February 2009 - Home v Birstall (66-17)

With a new found devotion to wives and girlfriends accounting for last week’s valentine fixture. A home game against Birstall, on a sunny February day brought all sorts out the woodwork. Vanny and Matt Gardner returned from long term injury. Even Togga had his kit with him for a seasonal debut, defying doctors and the wife’s orders.
Stan took on pre match medical duties on the basis that he works for the NHS (albeit in IT but we weren’t splitting hairs). He was up for providing massages for anyone brave enough to let him.
So with a band of nineteen men, we trotted down to the far pitch. Stan volunteered to turn out for the oppo as they lacked front row.
From the kick off Lions looked to be in the mood for running rugby and gathered the kick off, ran it down the backs and only some stout tackling prevented a very early score. This was to be the pattern of the first few minutes, Lions looking dangerous, then good defence denying them again. We were having solid ball from the scrum, despite the refs attempts make big Matt pack down in a position he’s not achieved since he was a teenager. Lions continued to press but lacked penetration, Vanny and Matt in the centres taking time to trust their various injuries. Eventually pressure told and Walshie (50) (on his birthday) picked up from a ruck and crashed over from 5 meters. Puggy duly adding the conversion. The crowd were expecting to see the flood gates open, but Birstall responded with a score of there own. Following a missed placed pass out wide they had greater numbers in defence and were able to gather the ball from there own 22 and run the rest of the length, only Buster stopping them from going under the posts and preventing an easy conversion kept our noses in front.
Lions regained the initiative and continued to play most of the rugby in the Birstall 22, after a move down the backs we recycled the ball for a forward drive, and with sheer force of numbers on third or fourth phase ball, Chris Johnson finally found the space to score after a short drive. Puggy again added the conversion. Still not giving up Birstall mounted another attack as half time approached. Lions managed to get turnover ball and Addy Smith attempted to make a break from his own 22, only to be met by an extremely mistimed straight arm tackle round the neck, from the Birstall fly half. This prompted an act of solidarity by Walshie (55) and Wilba not seen since Lech Walesa mobilised the shipyards of Gdansk. They meted out some Old Testament punishment. Looking on from the sidelines was Jim Songhurst, partly envious, partly like a proud father. (The 3rds were in action on the adjacent pitch also against Birstall Jim not required at that moment). This turned out to be the last act of the 1st half.
Nango rang the changes for the second half replacing the entire front row. Stan (who had grown into his medical roll in the 1st half homo erotically rubbing any body part that came his way), switched sides. Sharpy and Wayne joined him. Big matt agreed to play in the front row for Birstall, as the shirts fitted better, depriving Tudgy a man who perennially turns out for the oppo the chance to tick off another team on his list. Togga replaced Buster who was happy for the rest.
The second half about to kick off Vanny shouting to make use of the extra man, Puggy looking on bemused then incredulous when he realised we had escaped a yellow card and only the Birstall 10 was serving 10 minutes. The game kicked off Birstall gathered the kickoff and good following from the forwards forced a scrum. Either a clean hook or a kick through from Stan saw the ball shoot out of the back of the scrum. With no fly half a gap opened and Togga was able to beat the winger to the ball, kick through and gather it again to score with his first touch of the season. His 2nd touch was a Bergamasco style dive pass that Puggy wisely decided to leave alone.
With the extra man and peckers up we scored again, good line out ball fed quickly and Vanny much surer of his knee crashing through a few tackles to score under the posts. Confidence brimming we attempted to run from our own line, Puggy made the break but the final ball to Nango didn’t hit the mark as he, attempted to gather and pass, he was unaware of the Birstall winger who gratefully received the pass to score in the corner. This proved to be a minor setback and from our next attack Walshie (57), broke from the scrum and quick hands from Togga and Puggy saw Matt Gardner finish the move off. The flood gates opened after this and numerous moves down the backs saw further tries from Charlie and Stu Watson. Puggy having a purple patch with the boot added the conversions.
Matt Gardner was the next to show his injury worries were over (at least for today) with a break from inside his own 22 spotting the gap pinning his ears back, before finally coming to grief just short of the line. From the resulting play Walshie (59) found space for his second of the day. Another try under the posts, this time from the earlier pole axed, now recovered Addy Smith to keep the scoreboard rattling along. The final Lions try came from an initial Vanny break, with the Birstall players strewn behind any number of the following up forwards could of scored, Little Cookie finally taking the initiative to deny Walshie (60) a hat trick on his birthday. The last play of the game saw us gift Birstall a 3rd try via an interception in the backs.
With tea after the game most players achieved the holy trinity of a win, tea and a warm shower. This rounded off a good afternoons work with Walshies party to look forward to.

NB: No sign of the t-shirts, Dan now asking for money for the tour. Be aware this may just be all part of an elaborate Ponzi scheme of his, not quite on the scale of Stanford or Madoff.

31st January 2009 - Away v Shepshed (60-15)

With a bitter easterly wind blowing and forecasts of snow the Vets moved on to Shepshed a new venue for nearly all concerned (but with Nangos directions not a problem to find). A weakened back division, with the continued absence of Vanny and call ups to the 3rds meant continuing our run of draws might prove tough. Not knowing what to expect it came as a shock to see that all fit and able men in Shepshed had been given a call and were running around like an angry mob only missing pitchforks and lanterns.
The ref who it has to be said was wearing the most garish shirt of fluorescent lemon/lime got proceedings underway. Shepshed not making 10 from the kick off gave us scrum which produced solid ball which went down the line to Stu at inside center he was tackled and we recycled well and continued in this vain for the first five minutes. Then Shepshed managed to get hold of the ball had a run at us found our initial line of defence wanting and this sadly set the pattern for the rest of the 1st half. The first score came after the Shepshed standoff (who proved to be a bit of a thorn in our side most of the afternoon) had made a break and with options galore despite despairing tackles from Ady Giles and Charlie found his man to score under the posts. 7-0 The second followed in similar vain our only excuse was that Rich was off sorting out his contact lens and it might have been the gap he left that was exploited. Things often come in threes and the 3rd score followed quickly Shepshed were enjoying themselves now throwing the ball about at will.

24th January 2009 - Home v Lutterworth (13-13)

Nango’s weekly selection headache was additionally perplexing for Saturdays home fixture against Lutterworth with both Powelly (awaiting a miracle knee cure) and Daniel Quelch (detached head) joining the already long injury list. Matters were made considerably worse when the third team travelling to Hinckley made off with Colonel, Chris, Dave & Rich, it was looking bleak but our resilient Captain scoured the club for prospective players and came up trumps. The captain had managed to secure the services of Jim Songhurst, Saul Butler, Dave Cornwall & Swarty in addition to Jim Hutchinson down for the weekend in his shiny new Bingley Bees regalia and last weeks elusive Charlie (bad knees notwithstanding) also arrived with kit. Black marks for Big Cookie (still awol), Gardner and Gozo (both of whom made it to the ground but failed to reach the changing room).
The Lutterworth side had arrived in plenty of time and had already made their way outside and to run through some drills before several of the Lions contingent had turned up however with only one home match this Saturday the urgency shown the previous week for a prompt start was clearly absent and it took an insistent Ref to force the Lions take the field.

17th January 2009 - Home v Loughborough (12-12)

Having had no game since mid-December several of the assembled Lions squad still carried the excess timber accumulated over the festive period and it was with some trepidation that they ambled down to the bottom pitch for the return fixture with a Loughborough side filled with youth and vitality. The captain seeing his side ravaged by injury (Vanny, Wilba, Togga & Sharpy all out) announced his starting XV and assured the gathered throng that Charlie & Powelly would arrive in time for the second half. With Big Cookie awol and Wayne again avoiding a run out, this time with a spurious unnamed injury incurred at the gym, the one positive for the Captain was Winsland, now ready for a long awaited seasonal debut.
Three games at home meant an early kick off would be vital if a warm shower was to be assured however with star stand off Puggy not arriving until 14:10 this was not to be.

From the lack of interest shown at the kick off it was clear that the cobwebs would take a while to shake off, the only offerings in the early exchanges being a ball deftly stolen against the head at the first scrummage by Stan, some sterling tackles from Dave Allison and the fielding of a tricky high ball by Daniel (had he received a new pair of hands for Christmas?). It was not long before the pacey Loughborough backs began to threaten and after a succession of missed tackles a try was conceded under the posts (0-7). Further woeful passing from Lions saw any advantage gained by the superior lions pack dissipate along with territory. What followed was a string of Lions indiscretions which the referee was quick to spot and punish, from one of these imprudent acts the Loughborough backs mounted their second attack which following the pattern of the first led to another score this time the kick failing left (0-12). Obliged to respond or suffer a heavy defeat Lions stirred from their slumber and with purpose drove up the pitch, the visitors, having questioned the referee once to often now began to receive his wrath as he pinged them consistently at each breakdown. It was from one such penalty that Puggy deftly deposited the ball in to touch close to the 5 metre line, from the resultant line out, Little Cookie leapt salmon like to collect the throw and as the pack drove him towards the line an eagle eyed Walshy spotting an absence of defenders on the blind side, broke from the drive to score in the corner, Puggy with a precise kick made the conversion (7-12). As the half drew to a close the only other action worthy of note was a break from the dangerous Loughborough backs attacking from deep in their own half, the move ending with a reckless manoeuvre from Daniel, felling the visitors full back close to touch, fortunately for the Lions wing the Ref was unsighted.

For the second half Nango orchestrated a number of changes, Winsland for Big Matt, Adrian for the notorious Daniel and Powelly for Aidey, (Charlie’s expected arrival had not materialised). The pattern developed in the first half continued, with Lions dominance of the scrum, line and breakdown and the visitors frustration with the Ref persisting. 5 minutes in and without any noticeable progress Nango felt it necessary to introduce himself to the proceedings and ambled on to the pitch much to the amusement of players and spectators alike with his shirt back to front (confirming the rumour that his wife normally dresses him). With the lack of handling skill on display the scrum count rose and the additional mass of the Lions pack wore the lighter more mobile Loughborough forwards down, Lions began taking scrum ball at will at least until the visitors scrum half decided it was sagacious to feed the ball in to his own second row! It was from one such scrum that Winsland (not Stan) took the ball against the head, allowing Buster to release his backs and as Nango was tackled on the line Powelly managed to secure the ball from the ruck to dive over for the score (12-12). The visitors responded well with several attacks deep in to Lions half and only a succession of good tackles (absent in the first half) and dropped passes prevented the opposition regaining the lead. As Lions continued to get the better of the Refereeing decisions a win looked possible however attacking breaks from Colonel, Stu & Phil SoN went unrewarded and an interception from Adrian in midfield was called back for some previous unknown injudicious act. The final action of the game saw Lions defending their own line, after recovering the opposition’s lineout ball the ball was thumped out of play to the peep of the referees final whistle for the first draw of the campaign. As a final note it was with good grace that Buster took the coaching advice offered from the Loughborough supporters and the erstwhile absent Charlie was eventually discovered propping up the club house bar.

20th December 2008 - Home v Vipers (50-0)

On a bleak grey afternoon at “The Den”, the Lions Vets hosted a blend of Vipers experience and raw youth. 2.15pm Vanney with the ball in his hands, eagerly awaiting the ref’s whistle. A loud shrill. The ball was dropped to foot. Up went a shout – no forwards dashing out, as the ball curled round and back into the Lions half. A quick witted Matt was heard to mutter “I’m walking backward for Christmas”. So much excitement and the game had yet to get going.
From the ensuing scrum, the game began in earnest. Lions quickly began to apply pressure through the midfield and Nango in a foray off his wing darted into the midfield. A moment of Vipers dissent found Vanney about to embark on what was to be a feast of kicking. 3 – 0 to the Lions.
Shortly, following a poor Vipers restart, Big Matt found himself in acres of space and rushed an impressive 8 yards before making an excellent forward pass which eventually saw Nango slide over for the first try of the afternoon. Vann adding the conversion to make it 10 – 0.
Lions were now beginning to take control with some strong running from Allison and together with good passing nearly brought about another score. However, releasing the ball on the wrong side of the ruck, Vipers allowed to briefly clear their lines. A scrum in midfield to Vipers was again won by stan against the head and a determined run from Vann brought about the first of his three tries which was duly converted. 17 – 0.
Vann quickly followed up with his second try after a poor Vipers clearance was seized by the “Colonel” who switched with Vann to batter his way through a number of missed tackles. Another successful conversion brought the score to 24 – 0 a commanding position for Lions at the half way mark.
Lions were quickly into their stride in the second half when Watson ran through some poor defence for a well earned score from a 5 meter scrum.
31 – 0 with Vann’s conversion.
Play stagnated for a while until Vipers progressed somewhat unexpectedly, deep into the Lions half. However, some strong running and slick passing was to no avail as the over excited full back over ran the ball and a less than pin point pass saw the ball fall to ground some way behind the attacking line. Lions were unable to take advantage or were disinterested in the 75 yard run in for the score. The later being the most obvious.
At the line out, Lions were able to plunder yet more Vipers ball. The back five ran somewhat bizzarely yet supportively, carrying the ball from their own 22 to the goal line and ending somewhat disappointingly with no score just short of the goal line – a splendid opportunity missed. The ball was kicked to touch in hurried fashion. With the Vipers feeling that they had saved the day, they sat back and allowed the Colonel to get off the mark following a forward rush from “little Cookie” an impressive run from all of a few yards. Vann made the score 38 – 0. It was shortly after this moment that the Vipers prop said farewell to his pals and plunged the game into the farce of “passive scrums”. Vipers now began to get some of their own ball and were able to take the game to the Lions for a short while. Vann had other ideas and forgetting his brace of tries that he had already bagged, achieved a jug winning try after some tight interplay throughout the team. Alas, Vann was so distressed at the realisation of his feat that he lost focus and missed the conversion to leave the score as it was, 43 – 0.
With the game almost over and seemingly lost, Vipers rallied for one last effort and contributed what was their most concerted attempt to breach the Lions line. Outstanding tackling and defiant defence repelled the onslaught. Lions won the ball and Vann “wellied” down field hoping to find touch and hear the final whistle. Allison meanwhile pinned back his ears and with fleet foot made haste to the ball. He prevented the ball from going out and continued the agricultural theme by fly hacking all the way to the line to score a try for the lost cause - an excellent back row trait. Vann kicked the final conversion from hand to bring up the half century and leave himself with a massive haul of 30 points. Well done Vanny.

29th November 2008 - Away v Loughborough (7-18)

The options open to me (Togga) were to go to the club and take in some of the international matches and revel in the ambience and warm myself by the fire drinking a pint or two, or to traipse out to a foggy wet cold and muddy Loughborough. (A no brainer) so I found myself ankle deep in mud reporting on the latest Vets encounter in a fast disappearing Loughborough under the fog. I arrived at 2.30pm expecting us to be just thinking about getting started but hadn’t factored in that Nango was unavailable and the military precision of Buster had got them all out on the pitch raring to go on time and the game was in full flow. Or possibly that we had only a bare 15 and there weren’t any decisions to make.   
 I was initially surprised to see that both teams were playing in purple and given the conditions were at times pretty indistinguishable. However the ref was happy as it gave him excuses for some of his more baffling decisions. Having missed the opening few minutes I had missed the opening score and Lions were 7-0 up ( I had asked Rich Alexander what the score was and he said either 5 or 8 nil they had been playing five minutes). Stu Watson the scorer of the opening try gave the low down on how it had happened. From a scrum the ball found Puggy even at this early stage Stu had spotted Loughborough’s slightly dogleg line and the merest hint of a gap Puggy ran a dummy scissors with Vanny and Stu looked his defender squarely in the eye, shifted his weight and burst onto the ball with blistering pace there was still a lot to do he then side stepped another defender, with the line in sight the covering defence were on his tail. Two tackles came in but our man Stu carried on running dragging the tacklers with him with the line in sight one last surge was required another defender had now got back in front of him Stu stuck out an arm and handed off the would be last ditch defender an dived for the line to give Lions the perfect start. (In the retelling of this opening try Stu may have embellished his part a little but I’d like to think that’s exactly how it happened). The rest of the half I witnessed didn’t reach those dizzy heights again. The pattern of the half was we had the Lions share of the possession (bum bum) and looked the more likely to add to the score with some bullocking runs from Slim, Vanny and Stu ultimately ending in mistakes or an errant whistle. Loughborough’s main danger was the fact that they were at least 10-15 years a man younger and possessed what the majority of the Lions vets have long since lost Pace. When they did manage to get the ball down the line last gasp tackles from Dave Allison and Ady Giles on halfway ensured they didn’t have a free run to the line, but with only a couple of minutes left until half time we found ourselves exposed again and a 3 on 1 overlap left Phil (SON) with no chance despite a gallant effort and suspicion of a forward pass Loughborough scored under the posts to level things up at the break.
 A small half time inquest resulted in Buster being told to put more pressure on the back of the scrum and for us not to get exposed in defence. The second half kicked off and true to his word Buster harried the back of the scrum more and was even accused of brutality with his high tackling. In truth the first 20 minutes of the second half weren’t worth reporting on and for all the world the game seemed destined to remain 7-7. Handling errors from both sides fortunate on a couple of occasions as despite the half time talk Big Matt and Tudgy were the last two defenders in the defensive line and although they both have many Stirling qualities swiftness of foot is not among them. With the game drifting it became niggly and the odd scuffle breaking out Puggy at the heart of it all (you can take the boy out of Liverpool). With fading light and time running out Puggy then took the match by the scruff of the neck (as well as a couple of the opposition) and following a scrum midfield just outside the 22 he spotted an overlap so after receiving the ball on the right he ran left an drew the last defender found Phil (SON) with a deft pass who was able to out sprint any covering defence and touch down for the lead 12-7. Here after Lions dominated proceedings Puggy finding touch deep into the Loughborough half. Lineout’s had been their usual lottery but Dave Allison was finding late success and Rich Alexander burst through on a not straight lineout to take the ball 5 metres from the line only to be pulled back, despite the refs previous utterance of I’m trying to play as much advantage as possible. Two kickable penalties sealed the win and we trudged off happily to bask in the glory.
 After the game Tudgy was required for a photo shoot, the young students of Loughborough having never seen a pipe smoking player before. Such is his renown he could probably walk into the student union get free drinks all night and have any woman he wants.
With results continuing to go well the band wagon rolls on to Northampton next week.

22nd November 2008 - Away v Old Newts (14-29)

Saturday 2.00pm had come round again and not a match correspondent in sight. Wayne had arrived but when asked to oblige he claimed illiteracy (not that this is normally a disqualification), so it’s up to the captain to invent the match report again.

A squad of eighteen assembled at the Old Newts ground. This was lucky since that’s who we were playing, not Aylestone Athletic in Vicky Park as on the fixture list since they had decided not to bother this week. We were at the rearranged venue, on a bitterly cold day, to find that there were three home games; Old Newts firsts, seconds and thirds at home AND all matches with referees!  (Lions struggle to get two referees on those increasingly rare occasions when we are at home). No one could remember more than one game here on any of our previous visits, so this was a new experience. Less novel was being in a changing room the size of your average fridge, and pretty much at the same temperature. After clearing out some stray Anstey players we preceded to get changed in shifts, the replacements taking the second sitting. The referee appeared and checked studs, gave us a lecture and took the front row outside for a chat, about what I’m not sure. Chris Johnson then announced another first, Old Newts had a front row (see match reports 15/12/07 and 1/3/08). The kick off was put back until 2.30 to allow the Newts to organise their team; this was lucky because Puggy hadn’t arrived at the scheduled 2.15, due to inclement daisies. By 2.30 both teams had fifteen players on the pitch and the game could begin.

For the vast majority of the game the Lions played well, dominating in the scrum and around the park. The generally superb pack was even winning a fair share of lineout ball. Some great moves by backs and forwards alike saw a total of five tries scored by Nango, Colonel (2), Stan and Ady Smith. Paul Pugh converted two. The captain should have had a second try, but Stu with a two-on-one failed to get the pass to him, blaming his skipper for failing to call. A few other opportunities were missed and a couple of defensive lapses allowed the Newts to score their two tries. Midway through the second half Dave Allison provided some unusual entertainment with an accidental kick to the ref’s abdomen, temporarily incapacitating him, much to the amusement of the assembled crowd and players alike (sorry ref). Also worth a mention is Buster’s try saving tackle late in the game. It was high, giving away a penalty but, late in his career, he is developing something of a reputation for fearsome tackling. Shortly after this Stan kicked the ball into touch to bring no-side and a deserved win for the away team.

One of the highlights of the vets match day experience is the post game cup of tea. Old Newts did not disappoint us here. We received a welcome brew with lots of sugar. The bath and shower facilities were also of a good standard with not a single hole in the wall (Lutterworth) and we enjoyed a number of beers in the bar before returning to Lions for a few more. Colonel’s seven pints of Guinness did, I believe, cure his sore throat.

Note for interested parties (and a useful excuse when we lose).
The average age of the vets on 15/11/08 was 42 (thank you Douglas Adams). This was calculated in The Wheel Oadby after estimating certain players ages including Puggy (53) and Colonel (43 later corrected to 41). Vanny and Walshie had left before the technical operation was carried out on Dan’s phone, they were estimated at 36 and 45 respectively (sorry Walshie). The oldest shall remain nameless, the youngest? Cookie (little), at 28 still a long way away from the Vet’s Cup.

15th November 2008 - Away v Oadby Wyggs (0-24)

After the disappointment of a heavy defeat the previous week, Lions bounced back with a good win away to Oadby Wyggs, a pool match arranged last minute after cancellation by proposed opposition, Towestrians.
Despite a big win away to the Oadby at the beginning of the season, Lions did not expect such an easy ride this time around with the opposition now bolstered by the returning students. Nango struggling with selection, due to long term injuries to Togga & Wayne, arrived at the club house to find Wilba now in plaster up to his elbow, Gozzo awol and several members of his pack enjoying a roast dinner, cheese & port at the Wigston OB dinner in preference to a run out at Stoughton Road. On a positive note, Little Cookie, Rich Alex & Charlie all made a welcome return.
Lions took control of the game very early, with the heavy pack dominating the tight and taking several balls against the head and the game was barely a couple of minutes old before Colonel opened the scoring with a well anticipated interception, conversion provided by Puggy (0-7). The small band of faithful supporters whilst waiting for the much anticipated second score were privileged to witness a rare sight indeed…….. a Buster tackle, the trusty No9 found himself in the path of the oncoming Oadby hooker and rolling back the years, stopped the ball carrier in his tracks, depositing him on the ground and basked in the glory for the remainder of the evening and probably for most of his 18 holes at Glen Gorse the following day. When the second try eventually came it fell to the Daniel, with one man to beat on the outside the beefy wing cut inside to make the task more difficult than was strictly necessary, Puggy’s conversion foiled by the woodwork (0-12). The gloomy skies above now began to empty their content on to the field of play and the error count mounted on both sides, allowing Lions to further impose their physicality in scrum. Rich Alex increased the advantage shortly before the break when released by Vanny who had crashed through the opposition centres. Puggy’s aim was true with the kick (0-19).

Half time and Big Cookie & Buster (still glowing) made way for Stu & Little Cookie but the pattern of the game remained unchanged with Lions having control of the ball and most of the opportunities. When presented with a chance to attack, the home side’s profligacy cost them dear, their young backs wasting overlaps on a couple of occasions through poor passing. The disjointed nature of the second period continued when, at the referees’ request, the home side touch judge was replaced by Buster, this was followed shortly after by a trade mark Daniel lens injury and further personnel changes, off Aidy & Rich, on Walshy & Big Cookie (second spell). The crowd now turned to the fighting children for entertainment, the youngest and most violent of the Cooke brood had, out of boredom, began biting anyone and everyone in his company, the screaming of children only resolved at the arrival of Big Cookie’s better half. Matters on the pitch improved somewhat with some good play from Charlie, Nango & Colonel, with the latter of the three held up at the line after a determined run. Lions completed the scoring after an Oadby lineout jumper slapped loose ball down allowing the Lions pack through to retrieve the ball and drive over the line for a Powelly try, Puggy again hitting the upright with his kick (0-24) and the first clean sheet of the season.
 

8th November 2008 - Away v Market Bosworth (43-14) 
On a miserable grey and breezy day, Lions cup run came to an inglorious end when falling at the first hurdle away to Market Bosworth. Having avoided the Cadeby Lane outfit for over a season Captain Nango assembled as strong a side as possible for what was expected to be a tough encounter, including a surprise call-up from outside his normal squad for the big second row Jim Songhurst. Songhurst packing down after the ever present Rich Alex was ruled out by injury. After a visit to the changing rooms from the ref announcing a delay to kick off, the game was then further delayed whilst a dog pooh clearance exercise took place. Eventually the game began and the kick off found the Bosworth full back catching the kick off at pace and Lions defensive frailties saw him race through the middle of the pitch, deep in to 22 before eventually being relieved of the ball by Colonel. Bos continued to apply early pressure and Lions fell victim to the new rules when a pass back in to their own 22 was cleared directly to touch, conceding a line out close to the try line. A series of penalties followed with Bos eventually electing to kick for goal when presented with a penalty directly beneath the posts, (3-0). The notorious slow starts of recent games continued as Lions endeavoured to make their predicament worse from the restart and after a series of missed tackles the full back was converting a try from under the posts (10-0). Things turned from bad to worse as shortly after the score Songhurst pulled up injured with what turned out to be a severe gluteal strain, something more commonly found in runners, dancers or other athletes. After a careful massage from Physio Liam, Songhurst rejoined the fray.  

Lions continued in a downward spiral when Wilba was shown a harsh yellow card for a marginally high tackle, this was immediately followed by a further converted Bos score, (17-0). Matt Gardner retired to the dug out with a pulled calf, replaced by Stu Watson in his first game since coming out of plaster. After reorganising the backs Vanny kicked off and for the first time in the game Lions put the previously water tight Bos defence to a stern test and after several phases of play Vanny found a gap and was able to release Stu close to the line, carrying 2 defenders over the line, he scored with his first touch, ably converted by an accurate Puggy kick (17-7).

The second half began with Lions again failing to defend with a score coming quickly after more missed tackles and a well placed grubba kick (24-7). With Jim’s backside showing no sign of improvement he left the field to be replaced by Aidy Smith. Bos continued to be camped deep in Lions half and the scrum which had been coping well all game failed to control a ball at its base, Bos reacted quickest stealing the ball for another score (29-7), further pressure resulted in another score shortly after (36-7). Nango rang the changes, Sharpy & Gozzo having given everything for 60 minutes made way for fresh legs in the form of big Matt & Dave. A rare forage in to the opposition half saw Bos carry the ball over their own line when pressured by the Lions attack and the resultant scrum saw Powelly touch down for a deserved score for the pack, again crisply converted by Puggy (36-14). Fearing a late comeback the Bos tactic of deploying blockers in front of the ball carrier became more prevalent and having gone unpunished by the Ref all game the frustration of the Lions players manifested itself in a couple of ugly moments of retribution from Wilba & Big Cookie. The final action of the game saw Bos finish with a flourish as they broke out of defence to score a long range try and seal a comfortable victory (43-14).

1st November 2008 - Away v Wellingborough IV (22-26)

This was another week without a match correspondent, so it’s up to the captain to make up another story somewhat late on Wednesday prior to the next episode of Desperate Housewives.
The vets had a healthy squad for the trip to Wellingborough, though five did try to get out their commitment to the team with various excuses. Colonel had to work, as did Sharpie. In the current harsh financial climate, this is understandable. Gos had a child minding problem but managed to resolve it and arrived promptly at the pre-arranged meet time. Smithy was going out on Saturday night and was concerned he may be late since we had to travel to Northamptonshire. Dan had a remarkably similar excuse; something about a Law Society dinner. When it was explained that the game would be over at 3.45 and the journey from Wellingborough to Leicester takes less than an hour, Ady was convinced and like Gos turned up at the appropriate time. Not Dan, however, his 6.30 rendezvous with the silks was far more important than his potential contribution to the vet’s efforts. As usual, we didn’t miss him.
We made it to Wellingborough in plenty of time for a 2.15 kick off with a squad of eighteen, only to be told that the game would begin at 2.30 due to most of the home team being still in bed or something.
The usual warm up procedure was followed and the starting XV was announced. At around half past two the game commenced with the Lions feeling confident despite their loss to Lutterworth the previous week. Within a minute or so most of this confidence had evaporated as the ‘Boro right wing scored a try having evaded a few tackles, including that of the captain. About ten minutes later following another two tries from our hosts the score was 17-0. “If we don’t start playing soon, we’re going to get dicked” complained the captain; “we are getting dicked said someone”, I didn’t notice who it was! However, Lee Powell got the forwards working and following tries from Rich A, Nango and Vanny we were in the lead at half time by 17-19. This lead was no fluke following some great tackling by all and some mesmerising runs notably by Vanny and Phil (SoN). Shortly into the second half Matt Gardner scored an excellent try; following some sort of outrageous dummy a massive hole appeared for him to stroll through. Puggy kicked his third conversion to make the score 17-26. The Lions continued to play well and defend particularly efficiently, though a lapse saw the quick Wellingborough left wing score his second try to bring the score to 22-26 with nine minutes to go. The Lions defence held and a victory was forthcoming the score remaining at 22-26.
Fifteen minutes into the game this result seemed unlikely, but the change in approach and commitment by all fifteen starters and the three subs led to a positive outcome.
As the residents of Wisteria Lane call, we can look forward to our first appearance in the Vets Cup this year, away at Market Bosworth.

25th October 2008 - Away v Lutterworth (31-17)

The annual pilgrimage to Ashby Lane for the game with Lutterworth was accompanied by the deterioration in weather as expected and prior to kick off the Lions players huddled together around lit cigarettes in an attempt to keep warm at the changing room entrance. The home side by contrast, embraced the cold, running through their moves in the powerful gale. Once again Lions travelling support was impressive, bolstered by Togga for the first time this season, hopefully soon to return to the side in a playing capacity.

With the advantage of the elements, Lions had all the early pressure and kept the Home side trapped in their own 22. History shows that if Lutterworth get the early upper hand, they generally charge to victory so it was comforting for the spectators when Matt Gardner fully recovered from his concussed state of the previous week, placed a deft chip over the defence exposed a gap for his wing, Shane, to race in and score on debut. The conversion impeccably made by Puggy, (0-7) all very encouraging. Having been starved of ball for long periods, the Lutterworth backs found themselves in the Lions half and scoring a good try after the dangerous stand off had created a gap in midfield (5-7). Despite the advantage of the howling wind at their backs Lions continued to make errors and gave away unnecessary penalties that kept the home side in the game and eventually gifted them a second try (10-7). Lions continued to create problems for themselves, notwithstanding superiority in the scrum, forcing the Lutterworth pack on to the back foot, managed to lose several balls against the head. The travelling support had little to cheer for the remainder of the half with the exceptions of individual moments by Rich Alexander & the Colonel.
At half time the captain who had chosen to stay on the bench rang the changes, off went Big Cookie, both Matts & Dave Allison making way for Browney, Aidy Smith, Slim & the Caveman. Aided by the wind, the Lutterworth kick off sailed deep in to the Lions half and rather than allow it to bounce dead Daniel in a moment of foolhardiness chose to field the kick which bounced forward from his hands for a scrum to the home side. Lions now struggled to defend their line and as the Lutterworth side continually applied pressure the penalty count rose. The inevitable score came as Lions pack fail to control scrum ball which squirmed from the side and the home side reacted quickest and as they charged for the line Daniel in true matador style let the rampaging ball carrier through for the try (17-7). Daniel’s wretched afternoon continued shortly after when he again dropped the ball on his own line, causing him to join with the cries from the side line for him to be replaced. Whilst Rich Alexander & Powelly continued to lead by example getting to the breakdown first on each occasion they were out muscled by the Lutterworth pack who inevitably arrived in numbers.

The half was 10 minutes in before Lions first excursion in to the opposition half, good running from Carl Harris, Browney & Daniel offered some hope but further penalties saw them reduced to defending their own line yet again and a spectacular drop goal increased the Home sides hold on the game (20-7). As the penalty count continued to mount the stand off began electing to kick, and after several misses eventually found his range (23-7). Daniel made way for Little Cookie and shortly after Lions made their second visit to the opposition half, a sustained attack with the forwards taking the ball on in short direct drives, one of which saw scrum half Buster break free from the base of a ruck to dive fully stretched to score an imaginary try at the 5 metre line! His embarrassment saved shortly after when Powelly charged through to score correctly at the try line (23-12). The restart again saw Lions pinned on their own line as the committed Lutterworth side continued to steal ball and receive penalties from the over zealous ref. A kick for goal that bounced back of the post was followed by a bout of fisty cuffs that saw Slim spoil his return to the vets by getting sin-binned. A further penalty extended the home side lead (26-12). Realising the side needed his leadership Nango brought himself on in place of Browney just in time for Lutterworth to score again (31-12). Lion’s response was positive, recovering the ball from the restart and spinning it wide, allowing the pacey Shane to roar in for his second score of the match (31-17). The referee having seen enough then decided to put an end to a match that was as dour and the weather.

18th October 2008 - Home v Trinity Guild (73-11) 
Upon arrival at the club the captain was pleased to see many of the vets had already arrived. Less pleasing was the immediate bartering with the third team captain over certain players. Wilba was in the thirds then in the vets, but finally ended up in the higher team. Ady Smith was sacrificed to the thirds as Matt Earnshaw declared he needed yet another player, but was cast aside with great alacrity upon the arrival of Fraser Danvers who was immediately written onto the thirds team sheet! By about 2.25 all of the players had arrived, the deals with the thirds completed so the captain asked the team to move through to the changing rooms to prepare for the game (obviously including a fag for Ady Smith who was now breathing a sigh of relief). Before anyone had moved though, a mysterious figure asked if we had enough players; was it the referee checking to ensure that the game was on? No, it was, of course the Trinity Guild captain enquiring if he could borrow two of our players. Politely, Nango said he would get back to him. By the time he did, it had become a request for three of our team to guest for the opposition. Big Matt, Dave and Rich were very positive about putting on the Guild shirt and a debt of gratitude is owed, since without them there wouldn’t have been a game.

As the kick off approached Nango had completed his selection of the vets starting fifteen and twenty percent of the Trinity Guild starting fifteen. However the Lions XV was only fourteen at this point because Puggy hadn’t arrived. Fraser was recruited as an emergency sub, but was not needed as the florist had merely been delayed by a troublesome bunch of Dianthus ‘Becky Robinson’. The game kicked off with fifteen players (on both sides), Walshie on the bench and Lex nowhere to be seen after his comeback last week.

Our match correspondent, Andy was not available this week, reportedly having been poached and given an expenses paid trip to Treviso by sources unknown. Another favourite author of match reports, Togga, had been contacted with a tempting offer, but failed to materialise. Consequently there is no detail of the game itself.

The Lions played well and won the game 73-11. All credit to the Trinity Guild guys who never gave up and again many thanks to the three brave Lions who starred for our visitors. Walshie came on at half time for Goz, and shortly after damaged his calf muscle forcing the reversal of the substitution, once we had spotted that he had left the pitch! Tries came from Colonel (2), Ady Gyles (2), Buster, Cookie (Little), Powell, Goz and Ady Smith (3) with Paul Pugh converting nine of them.

Match postscript:
Little Cookie bought his jug and Smithy said he’d buy his at Lutterworth next week where it is cheaper apparently.

Special Feature This Week

A View From The Other Side By Matt Cunningham

Another Saturday rolls round and another team appears at the Lions short of players. Aware that they really needed three forwards Rich, Dave and myself volunteered. Happily their shirts fitted me better than my normal Lions top - at least it wasn’t a crop top that showed my belly button like I am used to! It was also (for those more fashionably minded) a tasteful mixture of autumnal shades of browns and reds.
With Rich basically telling the opposition a list of our favourite tactics and favoured running game (I was just as mesmerised as the others- I wasn’t aware we had any tactics), they seemed to take heart that they would be giving the Lions a tough match- this was repeated a number of times behind the posts after a succession of Lions scores with the fly-half seemingly watching another match where the away side were just as good as the Lions, but gifting them their scores through their own mistakes. Worryingly for them, they also seemed to think that their three guests were the ones doing all the hard work – it’s a sad set of affairs if I am ever one of the three most effective players in the team.
Moments of note in the match: I caught the ball in the first kick-off (something I haven’t managed all season in a Lions shirt); hearing Colonel advise Matt to “kick it at the fatties on the left” – I am presuming he was referring to my fellow prop who had the charming nickname “Cuddles”; and Wayne advising me at the bar after the match that Paul only ever sidesteps one way (information that would have been more useful to know during the match when he took advantage of my bus-like turning circle to set up two tries).

11th October 2008 - Home v Market Harborough (31-20) 

Once again Nango was forced to juggle his side for the game against visitors Market Harborough; with Big Cookie busy touring the regions Leapfrog Nurseries and Stu Watson sporting a fetching plaster cast up to the elbow, in came Rich Alexander, Phil SoN and a rarely seen fighting fit Lex Gamble. Immediately before kick off the captain, sporting a go faster hair cut demoted Daniel to the bench for derisory comments about said haircut however with this season’s glut of backs it was not a worry. Yet again the opposition had found their way to the bottom pitch in advance of the home side and were busily practicing moves and warming up – an activity avoided by Lions since the Stotty debacle last season.

For Lions first home game in a month the weather had a distinctly autumnal feel and it was with some trepidation that the game began. Confidence in the changing room was low, the opposition had been drilling for 40 minutes on the bottom pitch before many of the Lions stragglers had even arrived at the ground, had Malc Wright managed to get another Newbold on to fixture list. Further to this the normally super efficient captain had failed to procure a referee for the days proceedings and after much desperate searching and begging in the club house eventually managed to convince Dave Cornwall to take up the mantle.

The side had several changes to the victorious side that had taken the field at Birstall, Matt Gardner in at Stand Off allowed Puggy to move to fullback and with Wilba on loan to the 3rds and Big Cookie back on the children’s birthday party circuit, Aidy Smith & Little Cookie were drafted in to back and second row respectively. The first scrum of the game was encouraging as the pack put the visitors on the back foot but the early pressure was all on the Lions try line, Puggy forced to touch down behind his own line and shortly after the visitors missed out on three points when a drop goal attempt drifted wide in a strong wind. The home side’s first prolonged stay in the opposition half was more productive with an injection of pace in the midfield seeing Vanny eventually stopped on the 5m line, from the ensuing scrum the ball was flashed through at least six pairs of hands for Adrian to score in the corner, (5-0). In a pattern repeated throughout the game the visitors responded immediately with a well worked try through the backs (5-7). The lead was restored in the most bizarre fashion, after good work from Colonel & Vanny the ball was lost behind the opposition line and rather than touch down safely the defender attempted a clearance kick that fortuitously bounced back of the upright in to the startled hands of Daniel who fell to the floor for the score (10-7).

Half time arrived and Nango began his tinkering, off went Daniel, Stu and Aidy on came the captain, Walshy and Dave. With the wind now in Lions favour the home support were confident of a 4th straight victory this feeling was endorsed when the first play of the second half saw Vanny rampage up the middle of the field breaking tackles to extend the lead with a diving score ably converted by Puggy (17-7). Despite the visitors scrum being under immense pressure and the No.8 picking up on every occasion, clean ball was getting to their backs and achieved parity with two tries in quick succession (17-17) separated only by a disallowed Chris Johnson try. Lions recovered the lead with a well placed Puggy kick after Mr Cornwall spotted some handling in the ruck from the Old Leamingtonian pack (20-17). The lead was extended when Walshy grabbed a well-deserved try released after Matt Gardner split the defence (27-17). Whilst the visitors had been very competitive for long periods, defensive duties had taken their toll and tries from Nango (32-17) & Vanny, converted by Puggy (39-17) completed the scoring to give a slightly lopsided look to the result, the return fixture will require an equally determined performance.

13th September 2008 - Away v Oadby Wyggs (14-64)   
On a fine, sunny afternoon five of the squad were present at the Lions when the captain arrived promptly at 1.45. There was no need to worry (yet) since the rest had elected to meet at Oadby Wyggs, the day’s opposition. Wilba drove the scenic route between the two clubs, taking the opportunity to enjoy some of the music on his recently acquired iPod. Upon arrival, still ten minutes early despite the elongated journey, the aforementioned worry became apparent. This was not because Nango had any doubts about the reliability of his team members, but because a Wyggs spectator asked if we had a full team; “we might need to borrow a few players” he added. This upset the skipper for the next forty minutes until kick off. Amongst mutterings about having to organise the opposition’s team as well as the Lions, a number of players volunteered to play for the Wyggs, so many in fact, that they could have ended up with more than us! By kick off the starting XV was selected, welcoming back Vanny, Colonel and Jim for their first game this season, leaving four on the bench. Two of these, Stu and Adrian did pull on the shirts of the Wyggs, exemplifying the true sporting nature of the Lion’s vets, thus bringing their number up to fifteen. In the second half Buster, Colonel and Wilba all made guest appearances for the opposition, whilst Adrian and Bull made their season debuts for the Vets.
 It became clear later that there was no match correspondent present (Togga did turn up, but late and without pen and paper), so what follows is more fictitious than Nango’s hair and just as short.
The Lions soon made it clear that they were the better team and quickly found themselves 19-0 to the good. This despite the referee having forgotten his protractor illustrated when he clearly confused what he said was less than 90 degrees with a staggering 195 degrees, so failing to reset the scrum to Lion’s advantage. Suddenly the home team were scoring not one, but two well worked tries, following Lions errors bringing the score to 19-14. These were to be their only points of the game, however, as the Lions pack dominated the forwards battle and the backs pulled off some well executed moves. Ten tries in total were scored with one of them and seven conversions by Puggy. The other scorers were Charlie (3) and Colonel (2) though he had to score three times as the referee disallowed one of them due to obstruction (by the ref). Tudgy scored his first try in a number of years, Dan got the first try of the season, Jim gave himself something to talk about all evening with his score and Stu added to the total late on. The final score of 64-14 was a fair reflection of the encounter, though the gap could have been greater if the vet’s normal game time of 70 minutes had been completed. Well played all.

6th September 2008 - Home v Bedworth (0-27)   
The IRB’s insistence that the experimental rule variations (ELVs) introduced to the Northern Hemisphere this season will speed up the game and improve it for spectators may have to reconsider if today’s match is a sign of things to come…….
In addition to a couple of new faces it was good, if not a bit of a surprise, to see Wilba back in the side. With the heavy rain of earlier in the day subsiding, a strong Bedworth side bolstered by a cancelled Colts game took to the field as Lions first opposition for the 2008/09 campaign.
Nango elected to start on the bench leaving Powelly to lead the team. In the absence of Vanny, Puggy kicked off and whilst Bedworth had the better of the opening exchanges there was still an element of caution. Securing good ball was to prove difficult for Lion, whilst the scrum challenged stoically the lineout; ever the bane last season, proved problematic as ever with ball either lost or scrappy.
The little rugby that was played in the first half was continually punctuated by the referee’s whistle for an assortment of indeterminate misdemeanours or to separate the ever committed Wilba & his opposite number from a warm embrace. The opposition saw themselves marched back 10 yards on a number of occasions after questioning the refereeing and indiscipline often associated with the Lions pack.

Lions failed to get their game going with an abundance of mistakes including uncharacteristic dropped pass from Puggy and a kick fielded by Phil SoN bouncing forwards from his grasp. 30 minutes in, the first score of the game came, aptly, as a result of a Lions mistake. Lineout ball slapped backwards beyond the evergreen Buster's grasp, Bedworth attackers stampeded through. A forward pass close to the line saw a certain try go begging, the resultant scrum and following breakdown saw a penalty for the visitors directly under the posts and after some discussion they elected to kick, 0-3.
Half time and Nango continuing with his Rafa like rotation system made the changes, Off: Matt C, Tudgy, New Dan & Daniel Q. On: Nango, Walsh, Paddy & New Henry. Bedworth made several changes of their own, introducing a lot of pace & youth in to the backline.
The spectators didn’t have to wait long for the first score of the second half, the Bedworth No 8 dancing through several tackles giving an unselfish pass to his open side for an easy score, duly converted 0-10. The newly introduced wing kept the score board ticking over when he raced through displaying pace that would have had Usain Bolt worried! His score saw Nango sprawled on the floor as he sped past on the outside, the conversion made it 0-17.

Having now identified the danger, Puggy decided that for the remainder of the game he would direct all of his clearance kicks down the throat of the immensely quick Bedworth wing.
Pressure from Bedworth saw Lions deep in their own 22 for long spells and on one of the few forays out of defence a scrum ball squirmed loose, hoofed forward by a Bedworth back as Phil SoN attempted to slide in and rescue the situation he only managed to bounce the ball back in to the path of the oncoming attack off his knee, a further hack and the ball was over the line and only required the Bedworth man to fall on the ball to secure another try however he hesitated allowing quick witted Phil enough to recover to his feet and dive on the ball to prevent the score.
As the rain fall became torrential Bedworth stepped up a gear and threatened the line with regularity and Lions situation was further damaged as the hard working Powelly was forced to leave the field with a calf injury. His replacement, Ady, whilst equally tenacious found disfavour with the Ref and gave away 3 penalties in quick consecution close to his own line within 5 minutes of joining play.
A 3rd try came again as a result of further missed tackles, a slice of luck and a hack through which was touched down by the fullback 0-22, the conversion failing left. The final phase of the game saw some bizarre refereeing and equally unusual tactics from the home side and the game ended shortly after an exquisite Puggy chipped kick, directly in to the body of the Bedworth hooker who grateful for the ball, drove forward leading to a score under the posts 0-27 with the conversion dropped casually wide.
Lions seemed limited in attack when compared to their usual lofty standards and the only other positives to be taken from the game being steadfast tackling from Charlie & Stu Watson in the centres, a Phil SoN patented rucksack tackle first adopted in the Hinckley match last season and the return of Wilba to the fray. Lets hope next week brings more success.