A Team vs Chester Gladiators

Saturday, 19th July 2025
Lions
34
vs
Chester Gladiators
30
Try Scorers
Dan Goulbourne (2), Harvey Williams, Alex Hodgson, Reece Derbyshire, Jordan Gibbons
Conversions
Luke McMahon (5/6)
Penalties
No penalty attempts

Match Report

On a warm afternoon and under ideal conditions, the A Team delivered an impressive display to overcome a determined Chester Gladiators outfit. The match was played at a relentless pace, with both sides keen to use the fast track to their advantage.

The Lions struck early through winger Harvey Williams, who finished off a slick backline move to open the scoring, though the conversion drifted wide.

Dan Goulbourne then crossed for his first of the day.

Luke McMahon, who missed the opener, found his rhythm and added the extras to make it 10–0.

The pressure kept coming, with back rower Jordan Gibbons powering over after sustained pressure near the Chester line, showcasing his strength and footwork to earn his try – part of a standout all-round performance.

Hooker Reece Derbyshire darted from dummy half to extend the lead, taking advantage of a retreating defensive line to score close to the posts, followed shortly by a late effort from Alex Hodgson, who barged over near the sticks after a dominant carry.

Fullback Dan Goulbourne was again next to cross, backing up a surging 30-metre break from Jay Markland, who charged through the line from prop and released a smart offload for Goulbourne to finish.

Luke McMahon was calm and clinical with the boot, slotting 5 conversions from 6 attempts after the initial miss, adding 10 points from the tee.

Players of the Match:
1. Jordan Gibbons – relentless in both attack and defence, a constant threat with ball in hand.
2. Alex Hodgson – carried hard all day and was rewarded with a late try.
3. Tony Eaton – solid defensively and brought go-forward in wide channels throughout.

The Lions will take great confidence from this performance, especially the way their forwards laid the platform on a quick pitch, and their ability to stay composed under pressure. A solid win, built on teamwork and discipline.

Team Sheet

10
Alex Hodgson
Prop
9
Reece Derbyshire
Hooker
8
Jack Hesketh
Prop
12
Lewis Potts
Second Row
11
Jay Edwardson
Second Row
13
Brian Schofield
Loose Forward
7
Luke McMahon
Scrum-Half
6
Joshua Thompson
Stand-Off
5
Sam Baker
Left Wing
4
Shaun Markland
Left Centre
3
Tony Eaton
Right Centre
2
Harvey Williams
Right Wing
1
Dan Goulbourne
Fullback
Interchanges
14
Tom Cain
Interchange
15
Jordan Gibbons
Interchange
16
Cameron Richardson
Interchange
17
Jason Markland
Interchange