Rugby Lions 30 Leicester Lions 12
By Coventry Telegraph
October 20 2008
LIONS came back from a 12-0 deficit at half time to show real spirit and finally run away with this tie against their local rivals. Coach Mark Ellis had emphasised team spirit and togetherness during training and although both teams were without several first-choice players, it was that spirit which shone through Rugby's second-half performance.
Rugby had in fact lost two back row players, Dave Campton and Shaun Brady, to illness on Saturday morning but the enforced introduction of some youngsters only helped Rugby show some renewed enthusiasm.
Ex-Rugby player Jon Boden ran the first half with the wind behind him, setting up John Williamson for a 13th-minute Leicester try and converting when Gary Marshall added a second on 36 minutes.
Lions came out more determined after the break and scored immediately through Mike Rust's try with James Hawken adding a penalty on 47 minutes.
A second Hawken penalty left his side still a point behind but with all the momentumm and on 68 minutes Karl Braband's try took them ahead before, in the last few minutes, converted tries by Hawken and outstanding lock Tom Cheney allowed the score to properly reflect Rugby's dominance.