After two frustrating rounds where the C Lions were forced to concede due to low numbers, the squad finally returned to the field in Round 4 — and did so in emphatic fashion. On a breezy afternoon at Feltham RFC, the C Lions produced a dominant performance to overcome Whitton Lions 45–17 in a spirited Battle of the Lions. Despite Whitton starting the match with only 13 players, their determination to fulfil the fixture was evident, and both sides agreed to proceed under “Game On” conditions – a testament to grassroots rugby spirit at its best.
Whitton made an early statement, using their powerful runners to exploit soft shoulders in the C Lions’ defence and barrelled over for the opening try within five minutes. However, the visitors responded with composure. After a period of solid defensive work, the ball was turned over and quickly recycled through a few phases. The numerical advantage soon told, as Navi Koroi rounded the outside with a strong fend and strolled in at the corner to level the scores at 5–5.
Momentum began to swing in favour of the C Lions. A slick backs move saw full-back Jim Tikoisuva slice through unopposed for a well-worked try, converted by Harry Churchill. Whitton, however, were not done yet. Ill-discipline at the ruck gifted them a penalty on the 5-metre line, which they took quickly and charged over to equalise once more at 12–12.
Churchill then took matters into his own hands, hitting the afterburners to squeeze between defenders and dot down before converting his own score. Just before half-time, a solid scrum set up an 8-pick down the blind side. Freddie Gray got outside his opposite man and offloaded to Martin Rokotakala on the wing, who lobbed a pass back inside. The ball bounced fortuitously for C Lions captain Graham Thomson, who gathered, stepped inside two defenders and scored near the posts. Churchill added the extras with what was arguably the easiest kick of the day, despite the swirling wind.
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Second Half: Control and Composure
At the break, Whitton had found an additional player and returned to the field with 14 men. The second half saw the C Lions continue to assert their dominance. On the hour mark, excellent phase play from the forwards created space for the backs. Churchill broke through for a 30-metre line break and was brought down just short of the line. Quick support arrived and Alec Mileman dived over, though his proximity to the line raised eyebrows. The referee dismissed Whitton’s protests and awarded the try.
Whitton responded with grit, using a solid line-out and hard running to edge closer to the line. A big carry and a potential bounce on the try line gave them their final score of the day. Recognising the symmetry of questionable tries, the C Lions offered no protest.
With ten minutes remaining, Navi Koroi was shown a yellow card for a high, no-arms tackle, reducing the C Lions to 14 men and levelling the numbers on the pitch. Minutes later, Churchill redeemed a missed opportunity by calling for the ball down the blind side. Whitton reacted well, but Churchill’s footwork and determination proved too much as he stepped inside and powered through to score, adding the conversion himself.
The final play of the match saw Jim Tikoisuva, who had threatened all afternoon, step through multiple defenders in midfield and sprint home from 50 metres to score under the posts. Churchill capped off the day with another successful conversion, sealing a comprehensive win for the visitors.
The match also marked the league debut for five C Lions players, all of whom contributed to a strong team performance.
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Tries: Navitalai Koroi (17’), Timoci ‘Jim’ Tikoisuva (23’, 80’), Harry Churchill (34’, 72’), Graham Thomson (38’), Alec Mileman (60’)
Conversions: Harry Churchill (6/7)
Player of the Match: Andrew MacInnes – At the heart of the C Lions’ backline, centre Andrew MacInnes was instrumental in both attack and defence. His intelligent running lines, hard tackling, and calm decision-making helped control the tempo of the game and create space for others around him — a standout performance from a player who’s quickly become central to the squad’s structure.
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Looking Ahead
After a disrupted start to their Middlesex Merit Table 2 campaign, this result will feel like a real turning point for the C Lions. With a blend of experience and fresh faces — including several players making their league debuts — the team showed depth, determination, and a clear hunger to compete.
With momentum back on their side, the C Lions will look to carry this energy into the coming rounds and continue their climb 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
