The Lions 1st XV ventured out to Borehamwood on Saturday with the objective of maintaining their place at the top of the Regional 2 (Thames) League. This is the first time any senior side from London Scottish has played Old Haberdashers. Having lost their first two league games away from home, Old Habs were in determined mood to halt the Lions’ impressive start to their season and to lay down a marker in front of their home support. It was a glorious summer afternoon and the pitch, though hard, was in good condition. It is interesting to note that Old Habs ‘claim to fame’ is that they are the highest-placed team in the RFU pyramid that don’t train. It set the scene for an interesting afternoon.
The Lions had a number of enforced changes to their line-up with five changes in the pack and regular flanker, Lachie Lowick, wearing the Inside Centre shirt. Chris McIlroy also made his debut in the Second Row. During the first quarter, the Lions never ventured out of their own 22, not through lack of trying, but Old Habs made the brighter start threatening the Lions line on a number of occasions. The Lions defence, which impressed all afternoon, held firm. The deadlock was broken on 23 minutes when Old Habs found a gap on their left and went over for a try out wide and an excellent conversion from their kicker saw the scoreboard move to 7-0. The Lions continued to make unforced errors although gaining territory in the Old Habs half of the pitch and eventually were rewarded with Lachie Lowick dotting down for a try that was unconverted. After the half hour mark, Lions began to dominate territory and possession, but just couldn’t get the consistency they needed. However, on just before half time, their efforts were rewarded with a try from Chris Rolfe, which as unconverted. Half-Time: Old Habs 7 Lions 10
The Lions started the second half in much better fashion, having no doubt taken heed of the coaches’ feedback at the break. On the 55-minute mark, Chris McIlroy bundled over for his debut try, duly converted by Gavin Kinder, extending the Lions’ lead to 10 points, giving them some breathing space. However, just when momentum was building, Mark Bright conceded a penalty for a high tackle and received the first yellow card of the day for his efforts. The penalty was converted and brought the gap back to 7. Not long after, the Old Habs’ openside flanker who was having an excellent afternoon, gave away a penalty and another yellow card was issued for a similar offence. Gavin Kinder converted the penalty. Old Habs 7 Lions 20. On 67 minutes, Aaron Perrin went over for the Lions, with Gavin Kinder having to watch his conversion kick come off the right-hand upright, but bouncing the ‘wrong’ way. The Lions were relieved when the final whistle went, that’s for sure. To win ‘ugly’ away from home and get a bonus point win was a great effort. Onwards and upwards. Final Score Old Habs 7 Lions 25.
