GREAT BRITAIN COMMUNITY LIONS v FRANCE U25

GB Community Lions produced a strong display to defeat an experienced France A team at Featherstone last night. After a close opening quarter, France A broke the deadlock on 25 minutes with a Mathieu Alborela penalty, before Jordan Precious responded in kind for the Lions three minutes later. After 32 minutes Great Britain hit the front after a superb break by winger Chris Walker down the right was supported by stand off Jordan Precious who went in under the posts for an 8-2 half time lead.

Five minutes after the restart Great Britain extended their lead after some good handling from right to left created space for centre Gavin Corfield to make a break which was well supported by the impressive full-back Paul Pendlebury, who beat three defenders on his way to the line. Precious converted to make the score 14-2 to the hosts. France worked hard to get back into the game and had a try ruled out for double movement, but they finally got over the line after an opportunist interception saw winger Andrei Olari sprint 80 meters to the line.

France continued to build pressure and after three consecutive penalties in GB’s half, the pressure finally paid off as substitute Thibault Ancely powered over for a try on the hour mark that was converted by stand off Mickael Tribillac to bring the score to 14-12. Another strong drive and clever offload from Gavin Corfield led to a well taken try from the diminutive scrum half Tony Barker with 15 minutes left which was again converted to give GB an eight point advantage.

The visitors again hit back with 10 minutes remaining after second rower Joris Clement got around the outside of his defender and created enough space for himself to cross over. France continued to push for the try that would give them a memorable victory in the closing minutes, however GB’s resolute defence held firm and earned them a hard fought win, in a very entertaining game.  

Pictured: Tony Baker looks to pass

GREAT BRITAIN COMMUNITY LIONS
Paul Pendlebury, Chris Walker, Gavin Corfield, Carl Redford, Wayne Leyland, Jordan Precious,Tony Baker, Lee Brown, Jimmy Bardgett, David Dunwell, Sean Wildbore, Mark Holmes, Gary Middlehurst, Ryan Smith, Danny Hardy, Paul Hunt, Andy Lake

FRANCE U25
Nicolas De Martini, Olivier Aranud, Matthias Pala, Florian Quintilla, Andrei Olari, Mickael Tribillac, Amari Sabri, Romain Mencarini, Matthieu Alberola, Joris Cagnac, Yohan Tisseyre, Joris Clement, Mickael Simon, Samy Masselot, Joris Casal, Thibault Ancely, John Boudebza