Swinton Lions were able to return to winning ways following a strong second half performance over North Wales Crusaders, winning 26-20.
And despite the strong second half performance the Swinton Lions were able to open the scoring early with Jack Stevens putting them in a good position.
The kick down to the left corner and were able to score after five minutes with Tommy Porter knocking the ball through the defence.
The kick saw Lloyd Roby being wrong footed by the bounce, leading to Jamie Reddecliff following the ball up to score by the posts. Dan Abrahams was able to extend the early lead.
However, despite the early lead the Crusaders were able to hit back quickly.
Former Lion Jody Gibson was able to put out a nice short pass for Sam Wilde to score near the corner, with Jamie Dallimore converting.
With the scores tied, both sides had their chances but came to nothing.
However, the game saw a bit of drama – when an incident was reported of an alleged bite in the tackle, 18 minutes into the game.
And from the penalty that had already been awarded Crusaders swung the ball left and Pat Ah Van going over in the corner, Dallimore missed the kick.
With the Crusaders in the lead – there was a case of handbags in the 38th minute when a Lions player was high in a tackle and fists were thrown between the two sides.
Finley Beardsworth was then sent to the sinbin for a dangerous tackle and the Lions were down to twelve men and from this Dallimore added the penalty conversion.
Crusaders went further ahead two minutes from the break when Ollie Brookes finished off a fast-passing movement to score in the left corner, but Dallimore was unable to convert off the touchline.
However, with the Lions being down at half time it was going to take a strong second half performance from the home side. And this is exactly how the home side responded.
The Swinton Lions made a good start to the second half putting immediate pressure on the line but good defence from Crusaders held them out.
The second Lions try came five minutes into the half when Gav Rodden produced a nice short kick through for Stevens to chance and score under the posts with Abram converting.
The Lions were then able to take the lead three minutes later when a superb weaving run saw Ellis Anderson go over on the left and Abram converted to put his team in the lead again.
More pressure again from the Lions and Crusaders were forced into a goal line drop out then George Roby grounded his brother behind the goal line.
Josh Eaves put his side back in the lead (18-20) with seventeen minutes left when he dived in from close range, but Dallimore again missed the conversion.
Then the visitors knocked on at the restart which put the Lions in a great position and in the first tackle they were awarded a penalty for a high shot and Abram converted to level the scores.
Stevens then forced a goal line drop out with a couple of minutes left and from the pressure from this Will Roberts spun a long spiralling pass for Frank Sergent, who went in at the corner and Dan Abram converted from the touchline to secure victory.
Featured image – Gareth Lyons and Match Report was supplied by Ian Rigg
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