|
|
Leicester Lions - Season Review After surviving the first year in National Leagues by the reorganisation of Division 1, Leicester Lions looked to build both on and off the pitch and push to a more respectable position within the league. Lions made changes to its coaching staff and turned to the more proven track record of Chris Tarbuck who had taken Nuneaton into Division 2 the previous year. Chris was appointed in July and started to change the philosophy of Lions style of play. Chris made changes throughout the squad and gave youth more opportunities to develop in the squad. The season started well with some nail biting games and some had fought battles to gain points, however the real inexperience within the squad showed through and Lions went on to record a series of defeats leaving the East Midlands side deep in a relegation battle. The season for Leicester Lions changed with the defeat by close rivals Rugby Lions on Dec 23rd. It proved to be the start of a run that would have put Leicester Lions in the top three of the form guide. We managed to secure the services of a local player John Bowden on loan from Doncaster as well as an old friend Aki Lea back from New Zealand. These two signings, coupled with the new found confidence of the youngsters amongst the squad helped the side win some high profile games such as a 51:36 win against the table toppers, Blaydon. Lions finally reached their highest position ever, finishing seventh. The foundation laid this year will undoubtedly serve the club well for the future. The club has reduced the average age of the squad to below 24 years. A couple of quality additions to the squad, Mark Howgate and Chris Jones together with a well established core should assist the club's development in the future. Coaching staff; Chris Tarbuck Director of Rugby John Russell Assistant Coach John Bowden Assistant Coach |