| The England Lionhearts were pushed all the way by a resolute and determined BARA (British Asian Rugby Association) representative side before emerging victorious by 24-14 in the searing heat of the South Leeds Stadium. In a match arranged to relaunch the RFL’s Tackle It anti-racism initiative it was Ikram Butt’s BARA side that led for much of the game before succumbing to two late tries from the Lionhearts. BARA drew first blood with loose forward Rashid Mahmood crashing over from close range after a spell of pressure on the Lionhearts line on six minutes. Four minutes later BARA doubled their lead with good work from Junaid Malik and Shearer Singh setting up a score for Omar Hussein who dived over from five yards out. Midway through the first half the Lionhearts reduced the arrears with a good passing move creating space for Adam Brown who scythed through a gap to touch down under the posts. Paul Drake slotted over the extras to make it 12-6 to BARA. That was how it stayed until the break despite the Lionhearts going close on a number of occasions. BARA extended their lead on 50 minutes with a penalty for dissent. The Lionhearts hit back almost immediately with surging runs from Chris Gardner and Gary Keegan testing BARA’s defensive qualities. On 55 minutes Richard Lofthouse sneaked over in the corner for the Lionhearts with Drake’s conversion leaving England just two points behind. BARA then seized the mantle with Shearer Singh almost crossing the whitewash before a last gasp tackle from Shaun Flynn saved the day for the Lionhearts. Scott Pendlebury found a gap to cross under the posts on 75 minutes to inch England ahead and then three minutes later Lee O’Connor burst free in midfield to seal victory with another score under the sticks. Drake converted both. Several hundred witnessed this absorbing contest that threatened to spill over with a handful of late sin binnings but there was a lot to be proud about for two sides that coped with the heat superbly. Man of the Match (Lionhearts): Richard Whitehouse Man of the Match (BARA): Junaid Malik Half-time score: BARA 12-6 England Lionhearts Gamebreaker: Pendlebury’s try late in the game swung the balance in favour of the Lionhearts
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