Match Preview

On Saturday league rugby returns to the Recreation Ground as the Reds take on Leicester Lions.

The Reds have had a good pre-season and have assembled a large competitive squad, fit a ready to take on the challenges that the new season holds. Predicting the starting XV for the opening game is a task not many would want to put much money on as many players have impressed in pre-season where a narrow defeat away at Plymouth Albion was followed by home wins over Exeter University and Taunton. Leicester Lions have enjoyed a good win themselves in pre-season winning away at National 2 North side Sheffield Tigers.

The Reds did the double over the Lions in the curtailed 2019/2020 season, winning by 20 – 7 at home and by 31 – 15 away in what proved to be the last game before lockdown was ordered. Reds fans will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday. The Lions finished in 7th position that year compared with the Reds 3rd.

Leicester sports clubs seems to have a bit of a thing about animal nicknames, in rugby you have the Lions & Tigers, Leicester City FC are known as the Foxes, speedway also has some Tigers and American Football it’s Falcons. Perhaps they had all better beware though as there is also a local American Football club called the Huntsman!

The Reds side will be posted on Thursday and it all kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

Get there early, enjoy the sunshine, a Tribute or two and celebrate the return of National League rugby. Can’t wait!