Dings Crusaders and Leicester Lions delivered a nail-biting encounter, with Dings clinching a dramatic 41-39 win in a high-scoring contest seeing Dings through to another season in National League 1.

The visitors started strong, controlling the set piece and taking an early lead through a Luke Bouchier penalty in the 7th minute. But Dings responded with grit, as Tomas Gwilliam powered over from a 5m lineout, converted by George Boulton.

The sides traded scores in a frenetic first half—Jordan Tebbatt crossed for Lions, while Gwilliam grabbed his second for Dings. Bouchier added another penalty. Deago Bailey’s converted try gave Dings a gap, but Arthur Allen struck at 40 minutes closing the gap to 21-18 at the break.

The second half continued at pace. Hands, hands and more hands as Tommy Foot extended the home advantage early, but Lions hit back through Jamel Hamilton.
Joe Jenkins struck for the Crusaders, countered by Malelili Satala-Navlivou’s reply for Leicester. Boulton’s penalty and another Hamilton try brought Lions within touching distance of the win.

Just as Lions threatened to snatch it with a spirited performance, Bouchier was binned for a deliberate knock on and shortly after, Max Rivers crashed over for Dings in the 76th minute, sealing a thrilling win despite Bouchier’s accuracy off the tee.

Player of the match - George Boulton Dings
Match Sponsor - Gloucester Road Gearboxes