Phil Greaves gives Bees late threat

Stuart Dixon’s Bradford & Bingley side came into yesterday's National League Three North game with genuine ambitions of taking at least a bonus point from their hosts.

But throughout the game the Bees were unable to match the pace and industry of the Lions and a number of missed tackles in promising field positions allowed the home side an escape route just as the visitors pressed for the line.

After a bright opening from the Bees, the Lions took con-trol with a try from skipper Gareth Collins and two penalties from the reliable boot of full back Jon Boden to esta-blish an 11-3 lead by the 12th minute.

The Lions never looked like relinquishing their advantage as their superior handling and dominance of the tackle area had the Bees scrambling in desperate defence.

Collins’ try came from a neat kick and chase but the second score from the home side showed the greater physicality of the Lions as steve cross powered through an ineffectual tackle to claim the score.

The Leicester side always looked half a yard faster than their opponents.

Leading the charge was hooker John Williamson who attacked the visitors’ defensive line like a gridiron running back.

Although the Lions remained very much on top as half-time approached, the Bees claimed a score through prop Roger Raper, who popped up wide on the left to answer three more Boden kicks.

The Bees defence wasn’t breached until the hour mark but there was little attacking threat from the visitors until the introduction of Phil Greaves.

The Lions scored two further tries, with a reply from Bees skipper Ryan Wederall.

However, they lost the consistent Guy Ford and Tom Cokell to injuries.