Leicester Lions 4ths 29
Broadstreet Classics 24
Friendly Match 14-3-2009
Experience tops Youth
Once again the Classics started with 6 colts, this time against a heavier and more experienced Leicester Lions Vets side. The game started at a frenetic pace, with the home side racing into an early lead after mounting persistent pressure on the Broadstreet line. The Classics regained their composure and hit back after Si Skene picked up from the scrum to put winger Gary Watts in for a try, the Milkman converting. The re-start found Skene who dummied through a couple and linked with Will Vennard whose slick hands and pass released the backs with Mark Britton scoring in the corner. The Classics now found a rhythm and within minutes were pressing the Lions line at speed; several passages of excellent play saw Skene find Milky who in turn put Bill Vennard into an excellent gap for a fine team try. This was to be Street’s downfall as the wily Lions pack started to dictate the play and push the younger Street pack around the park. The Lions clawed back the lead, and after Skene broke through several tacklers only to lose the ball over the line the game looked lost. With ten minutes to go Paul Harcourt making his full comeback rallied the forwards and despite several drives going inches short, the Classics finally got their reward when Gary Watts fed Skene who with a smart cut back went over for a try, the Milkman delivered the extras. This set up an exciting finish, but the Classics could not cross again and the Lions held out for a relived win as experience triumphed over youth. Daz Watts put some fine tackles in throughout the match but it was Joe Berry who took the Man of the Match award with an energetic second half display.