Loan watch: Table-topping Dings march on, 14-man Clifton down students

National League Two West
Leicester Lions 15-19 Dings Crusaders

Dings were made to dig deep to secure their fifth-straight National League Two West victory and, as a result, go top of the table. Their latest triumph brought to an end Leicester Lions' proud 18-match unbeaten home record that stretches back over a full calendar year. Needless to say, this was no easy task, and the final outcome was hanging in the balance until the last act of the game.

The Lions proved a formidable opponent and created enough opportunities throughout this enthralling and intense contest to have won the match. But Dings are a tough nut to crack these days, and a never-say-die attitude - especially in defence - got the visitors across the line.

The Lions opened the scoring on five-minutes with a penalty, but it was Dings that crossed the whitewash first. A switch of play was moved wide for wing Sol Taufa to dart over into the corner for an unconverted try. Crusaders got another score shortly after when a trademark driving line-out was dragged down illegally by the home side, prompting the referee to award a penalty try and open up a 12-3 lead for Dings.

But a neat blindside move from the home side resulted in an unconverted try in the corner to make it 12-8 to Crusaders at the interval. The high-tempo, big collision nature of the game continued after the break, with neither side giving an inch to the other. Dings extended their lead with their third try - this time outstanding flanker Anton Welling managed to step out of a tackle and dive over for a try converted by fly-half Harry Ascherl to nudge the visitors into a 19-8 lead with a quarter of the match to play.

The home side threw everything at Dings in the closing stages. They did manage to get over the Dings try line but a heroic last ditch tackle for No8 Chris Rovery managed to dislodge the ball from the attackers hands and it rolled dead. Lions did finish off their next attack, though, with a driving maul to give Dings a taste of their own medicine. The conversion was added to make it 19-15. The frantic final five-minutes saw both sides looking like they might find a decisive score - both had chances - both blew them due to the tremendous pressure heaped upon them by the opposition. But crucially, Dings ended up with possession in the final moments and were able to keep hold of the ball until it was time to kick it out to end the contest.

Report by Roger Opie and photo via Ian Clark.

National League Two West
Clifton 48-14 Exeter University

Rhys Charalambous was on the scoresheet as 14-man Clifton overcame Luke Cozens' red card to thrash the league leaders at Station Road.

The clash of the student league leaders with fourth placed team Clifton had expectations running of a fast tempo high scoring encounter. The teams were sharing an equal points total of 155 points and an equal points difference  

It was though the home team which showed the dominance and control to ease themselves into a comfortable winning position in spite of losing their playmaker Luke Cozens for verbally abusing the assistant referee during the first half. The students were unable to capitalise on their superior numbers as Clifton dominated territory and possession as the game unfolded

Leading try scorer Fin Sharp was the beneficiary of good ball control to open the Clifton account before Luke Bralsford equalised for the students following a strong scrum.  A loose pass enabled scrum half Jake Murray to put Exeter in front with Harvey Graham adding the extras to both efforts.

Before the interval a clever kick by scrum half Spencer gave Sharp his second. Will Owen, a constant threat in the centre then scored the try of the game from a long swerving run with Cozens adding to two previous conversions. Spencer kick a penalty to give his side a ten point interval lead.

The second half saw Clifton in full cry and the pressure resulted in three yellow cards for the visitors. Spencer cleverly jinked his way under the posts with replacement Zak Ward converting. Ever lively flanker Max Woodward next scored twice from forward drives with Ward converting one. On full time replacement hooker Bertie Stretch completed the scoring.

The Clifton front five had the student pack in trouble throughout the game with props Ricky Cano and Alex Giltrow to the fore and backed by second rows Freddie Myatt and Henry Harper.

Elsewhere in National League Two West, Jimmy Halliwell delivered an impressive display in the front row as Old Reds ran out 20-24 winners at Bournville. 

In the GKIPA Championship, Jac Lloyd and Tom Sims' Hartpury were edged out 19-15 at Richmond, while Jersey Reds, featuring James Dun and Charlie Powell, were 21-10 winners over Cornish Pirates.

The result put Jersey top of the Championship after four wins from four games while Pirates are seventh having won two and lost two.

In Tribute South West One, Pete Carter was on the scoresheet as table-topping Chew Valley thrashed Lydney 15-53 on the road.