By Coventry Telegraph
February 8 2008

Rugby Lions hope that a return to home ground will bring a return to winning form when they entertain Morley (2.30pm). Lions went to Macclesfield last weekend on the back of a 50-point home win over Preston, but confirmed their growing reputation as poor travellers by losing 30-12 to their bottom two hosts.

"I think it is a mental thing," said director of rugby Mark Ellis. "The players talked about it on Tuesday, and a lot of them said that they don't think they are preparing themselves proper-ly and they need to become a bit more professional when they are away from home."

Lions, who are on a winning run of seven at Webb Ellis Road, will need to break the trend of results against Morley since the two clubs were reunited in National Division Three North.

"We've played three times in the last two seasons and the away team has won every game," said Ellis.

"We know Morley will be very physical, their defence will be good and they are battling for points to get away from the relegation places.

"But we are back at home, the weather is hopefully going to be dry and the pitch suits our style of game."

Leading scorer James Hawken returns at full-back, so Ellis gives last week's deputy, Steve Clarke a start in his preferred role of centre.

Jamie Tyers is back at tight head prop, and Tom Cheney comes off the bench to start in the second row alongside Stuart Riding.

"I want to have a look at Steve, he played out of position last week and has been coming on as a sub, and he does well every time," added Ellis. "Tom also did well when he came on and he needs some rugby.

"It's all about building and getting ready for next season, and really our pre-season starts as of now."

Rugby Lions: Hawken; Rust, Goode, Clarke, Hales; Warner, Handley; Greenbury, Overton, Tyers, Riding, Cheney, Nash, Prosser-Shaw, Brady. Reps: Glackin, Wati, Price, Wadey.

Lions welcome back top scorer Hawken

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 08/02/2008 14:50

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
08/02/2008 14:50

Lions welcome back top scorer Hawken

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