It was Semi-Finals week for the Surrey Rugby’s Quins Cup competition and after the last two wins for the Lions Colts, confidence was high going into the game with the winner going through to the Hampstead Cup Final and a chance for silverware. This game was a repeat of Round 2, with a return visit and short trip over to the ‘Rock’ to play Rosslyn Park Colts B on the all weather pitch.
With a midday kick off in cold but bright sunny conditions, it was perfect for rugby. The first half saw Rosslyn Park come out of the blocks firing and were very lucky not to score within the first five minutes but for a heroic tackle in goal to hold up the RP player by the Lions centre and captain, Josh. RP were certainly up for the game and continued to apply the pressure on the Lions Colts who had to do a lot of defending early on. It took around 15 minutes for the Lions Colts to get themselves into the game and play with any confidence, eventually breaking the RP team down from a centre field scrum with the Lions centre Josh crashing over in the corner for an unconverted try. The first half was a tight contest with neither team conceding territory and RP’s only points came from a penalty in the final minute of the half. HT: RP 3-5 Lions Colts.
The second half started with the Lions Colts getting themselves into the right parts of the field with the pressure leading to the Lions Colts second try as flanker Evan crashed over and then converted his own try. However, the Lions Colts were never able to take full control of the match and kick on. RP kept their composure and kept attacking the Lions Colts, testing their defensive line. This pressure paid off with an unconverted try and they would have added a further try had it not again been for the heroic efforts of Josh to tackle the RP player as he tried to cross the line. The Lions Colts continued to play attacking rugby but showed their lack of game experience as they tried to run the ball out of their 22, force passes and kicks that weren’t on, instead managing the game out by playing for territory and retaining the ball. RP were able capitalise on this by scoring their second unconverted try in the dying minutes of the game from a Lions Colts mistake, securing a hard fought, come from behind, win. Full Time score: RP 15-12 Lions Colts.
The game was played in great spirits between two evenly matched local rival teams and was a repeat of the Round 2 fixture played in January. The deciding factor between the two teams was the Lions Colts inexperience (this was only their fifth game together) and decision making at key points in the game. That said there was a lot of talent on display for the Lions and everyone in the squad should feel proud of what has been achieved this season so far. The future looks bright for the club.
A special thank you to all our supporters who made the trip to the Rock to support us. Thanks also to the Rosslyn Park Colts for hosting us. And finally, London Scottish Lions Colts would not be possible without the fantastic support from the Velocity Trade team and their sponsorship.
The next game for the London Scottish Colts is the Finals Day on Sunday 23rd March.
