Match Report – CLions vs Hackney 2nd XV
Middlesex Merit Div 2 – Round 9
Venue: Hackney RFC
Saturday 6 December – KO 14:00
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London Scottish C Lions produced a gritty and composed away performance to secure a 34–19 victory over Hackney 2nd XV, overcoming heavy conditions, sustained defensive pressure, and a second-half comeback from the hosts. In a match defined by mud, resilience, and moments of individual brilliance, the Lions eventually pulled clear to earn a deserved win in Round 9.
The pitch at Hackney RFC had suffered under days of rainfall, and from the opening whistle both sides were forced into tight, physical exchanges on the marshy turf. Hackney settled faster and dominated the early territory; after having a try disallowed for a dead-ball infringement, the home side finally made pressure count on 14 minutes with a converted try to lead 7–0.
The Lions were forced into long spells of defensive work, but their try-line resistance — built on key tackles from the pack and a calmness under pressure from the spine of the team — kept them within touching distance. Their first breakthrough came on 28 minutes when fly-half Rio Iwabuchi spotted space on the short side and darted through the defence to score, trimming the deficit to 7–5.
With momentum shifting, the Lions forwards began to take control of the set-piece. At 36 minutes, Number 8 Freddie Gray powered over from the base of a dominant scrum to give Scottish their first lead. Just before the break, full-back Callum Gibbons finished a sharp handling sequence to extend the advantage, with Harry Montgomery adding the extras for a 15–7 half-time scoreline.
Hackney responded immediately after the restart, capitalising on C Lions’ errors to score twice in quick succession. A try on 48 minutes followed by a converted effort on 52 minutes saw the home side reclaim the lead at 19–15, setting up a tense second half.
But the C Lions refused to lose composure.
Wing Rowan Wincote, playing out of position but delivering a standout performance, burst down the right edge on 56 minutes to finish superbly and swing the match back in the Lions’ favour. His influence only grew: minutes later he produced two match-defining tackles at opposite sides of the pitch, thwarting near-certain Hackney scoring opportunities that could have changed the momentum again.
The visitors capitalised on the lift. At 66 minutes, Freddie Gray claimed his second try of the afternoon, this time breaking off the back of a scrum and running in from 20 metres to extend the lead.
With Hackney pushing desperately for a final response, the Lions controlled territory smartly. A clever kick forced the hosts back into their own 22, and after a series of composed carries from the forwards, scrum-half and captain Graham Thomson darted over from close range on 77 minutes to seal the win. Gibbons added the conversion to close out a competitive, entertaining encounter.
The performance marked a strong show of character across the squad — but none more so than Man of the Match Rowan Wincote, who combined a crucial try with defensive heroics that prevented the contest tightening late on.
A deserved win in challenging conditions, and a valuable step forward in the C Lions’ season.
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Tries: Rio Iwabuchi (28’), Freddie Gray x2 (36’, 66’), Callum Gibbons (39’), Rowan Wincote (56’), Graham Thomson (77’)
Conversions: Harry Montgomery (40’), Callum Gibbons (79’)
MotM: Rowan Wincote
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Saturday 13 December
Next up for the Lions, two teams away in Jersey:
Lions vs Jersey (A)
– Regional 1 South Central – Round 12
– Venue: Jersey RFC (JE3 7BG)
– KO: 15:00
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Lions B’s vs Jersey 2nd XV(A)
– Friendly
– Venue: Jersey RFC (JE3 7BG)
– KO: 12:45
