London Scottish Lions kicked off their new season in style with a dominant 41-17 victory over Aylesbury RFC. The match began with Aylesbury taking an early lead through a penalty in the 11th minute, making it 3-0. However, the Lions quickly responded, with Ollie Boyes, one of the Club’s top try-scorers from last season, crossing the line in the 15th minute to take the lead at 3-5. Five minutes later, Ben Molloy feeds a pass from the back of a ruck 5 metres out to a charging Ross Arthur, who powers overs for the Lions second try, with Gavin Kinder adding the extras to extend the score to 3-12. The Lions kept up the pressure, and in the 32nd minute, Gavin Kinder – who was playing his first league game in 18 months after a long-term injury – scored and converted his own try to make it 3-19 to the Lions at half time.

Aylesbury came out firing in the second half, scoring two quick converted tries to close the gap to 17-19. But the Lions responded with composure, as Ollie Boyes grabbed his second try and secured the bonus point in the 57th minute; Angus Clogg, taking over the kicking duties from a substituted Gavin Kinder, added the extras for a 17-26 lead. Clogg then slotted a penalty three minutes later, increasing the Lions’ advantage to 17-29. Fabian Thwaites, continuing his run of good form from pre-season, added another try in the 71st minute, along with the extras from Clogg to bring up 17-34 going into the closing stages of the game. The Lions capped off a superb performance with Finlay Hillicks scoring their sixth and final try a few minutes from the final whistle, with the extras added once again to bring up a final score of 17-41 to the Lions. It was an emphatic start to the season for London Scottish Lions, showing their attacking prowess and resilience under pressure.

Lions Man of the Match was given by both our captain, and a separate one by Aylesbury, to Ollie Boyes and Fabian Thwaites respectively. Our travelling support, who we love to hear their roaring encouragement from the touchline, gave their vote to Finlay Hillicks.

Elsewhere, the Lions B’s lost 36-0 to strong Barnes 2nd XV in their first of two pre-season friendlies. Hopefully they’ll bounce back for next week’s final pre-season game.

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Next up for the Lions is their first home game of the season at King’s House Sports Ground (W4 2SH), and with the Lions B’s also playing at home it makes it a home double header.

Saturday 14 September:

– KO 14:00 – London Scottish Lions B’s vs Belsize Park 4s (friendly)
– KO 15:00 – London Scottish Lions vs Beaconsfield