After a two-week break, the London Scottish Lions roared back into Regional 1 South Central action with a nail-biting 25–24 victory away at Tunbridge Wells. Wearing their striking new red kit, the visitors welcomed debutant Michael Baldock to the side and marked Nick Hill’s 50th appearance in fine fashion.
Conditions: Firm pitch with a strong crosswind that offered no clear advantage.
Kick-off: Lions running downhill on a noticeable slope.
The Lions started brightly, applying sustained early pressure. On the 10-minute mark, quick recycling saw Fergus Chapman dart over in the corner for the first try of the afternoon. Nick Hill converted superbly from the touchline to give the Lions a 7–0 lead.
However, a failure to clear their lines soon after gifted the home side field position, and Tunbridge Wells struck back in the 22nd minute with a try in the left corner — levelling the scores at 7–7.
Moments later, the Tunbridge Wells captain broke from a scrum deep into Lions territory, and the hosts capitalised to take the lead at 14–7.
The response was immediate. Tunbridge Wells fumbled the restart, and from the ensuing attacking scrum, Cormac McCracken finished strongly out wide to close the gap to 14–12.
The Lions’ scrum began to dominate, forcing repeated infringements. As half-time approached, Nick Hill slotted a penalty to reclaim the lead — 15–14 to the Lions at the break.
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Second Half: Set Piece Power and Nerves of Steel
The second half began with Tunbridge Wells pressing hard, and their winger finished a fine move out wide on 47 minutes to edge them ahead once more.
But the Lions’ pack continued to assert their authority. From a Tunbridge defensive scrum on 60 minutes, the visitors took a tighthead against the head and No.8 Finlay Hillicks grounded the ball at the base to restore the advantage — 20–19 to the Lions.
The lead changed hands again in the 64th minute as the hosts crossed to make it 24–20.
Undeterred, the Lions turned to their powerful lineout and rolling maul, which had been causing problems all afternoon. On the third attempt, at 75 minutes, hooker Chris Rolfe finished a trademark catch-and-drive to put the Lions back ahead 25–24.
With the clock winding down, Tunbridge Wells were awarded a penalty deep in the Lions’ half. Opting to kick rather than go to the corner, the attempt drifted wide — sparking jubilant celebrations from the visitors.
Full-Time Score Tunbridge Wells RFC 24 – 25 London Scottish Lions (Bonus point win for the Lions)
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Tries: Fergus Chapman (10’), Cormac McCracken (28’), Finlay Hillicks (60’), Chris Rolfe (74’)
Conversions: Nick Hill (10’)
Penalty: Nick Hill (40’)
Player of the Match: Jack Parkhurst – a tireless display from the tighthead prop, who anchored the scrum superbly and provided the platform for much of the Lions’ success. His work rate around the park, defensive presence, and set-piece dominance made him an easy choice for this week’s standout performer.
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Looking Ahead
This narrow but hard-fought win marks another statement of intent from the Lions, who continue to adapt impressively to life in Regional 1 South Central. With three wins from four and momentum building, the squad will be eager to carry this form back to King’s House as they look to climb further up the table.
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Saturday 11 October
Next up for the Club, 2x teams out this weekend:
Lions vs Worthing (H)
– Venue: King’s House Sports Ground (W4 2SH)
– KO: 15:00
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Lions B’s vs Quintin (A)
– Venue: Chiswick RFC (W4 2SH)
– KO: 14:00
