Match Report: C Lions 36 – 22 Thamesians 2nd XV
Middlesex Merit Div 2 – Round 13
St Mary’s Uni – Teddington Lock Campus
Saturday 31 January 2026, KO 14:00
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London Scottish C Lions made it two wins from three in 2026 with a hard-earned 36–22 victory away to Thamesians 2nd XV on Saturday afternoon. In testing underfoot conditions at St Mary’s University, the C Lions stormed into an early lead, survived a spirited second-half comeback, and ultimately showed impressive composure to pull clear late on. It was a performance that combined attacking flair with real character – exactly the response the squad were looking for following last weekend’s setback.
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On a soft, slightly boggy pitch at St Mary’s University, London Scottish C Lions produced a fast-starting, hard-working and ultimately resilient performance to overcome a spirited Thamesians 2nd XV, securing a 36–22 victory in a match that swung dramatically in momentum but was ultimately claimed through grit and composure.
The ground, soaked by days of rain but now drying under clearer skies, made for heavy underfoot conditions — the kind that reward early intensity. Scottish delivered exactly that. From the opening whistle, the Lions launched a blistering attack down the flank, moving the ball crisply from edge to edge. Their ambition was rewarded inside just one minute, when debutant prop Dayton Kandrovy—supporting play like an experienced back-rower—took a short pass from the base of a ruck and powered over for a dream first touch in London Scottish colours. The conversion drifted wide, but the tone was set.
Scottish doubled their lead only minutes later. Sustained pressure forced Thamesians onto the back foot deep in their own territory, and from a well-drilled 5m lineout maul, No.8 Freddie Gray spotted a mismatch on the blindside. With a combination of strength and balance, he brushed aside the winger and grounded the ball. Ollie Boyes added the extras, pushing the visitors into a confident 12–0 lead after just seven minutes.
To their credit, Thamesians responded with determination. A knock-on from the restart gifted them field position, and after building phases of strong, direct running, they found their way over through a driven maul close to the line. The missed conversion kept Scottish ahead at 12–5, but the home side had rebalanced the contest.
The Lions hit back on 29 minutes with one of the afternoon’s standout moments. A well-weighted attacking kick forced a handling error inside the Thamesians 22, allowing Scottish to launch what can only be described as the “greatest move in world rugby”. With clinical precision and a sharp change of angle, winger Ollie Boyes sliced untouched through the middle to score. His effort went unconverted, but the scoreboard now read 17–5.
The first half ended much as it began — with Scottish in the ascendancy. More patient phase play stretched the Thamesians defence, creating an overlap on the left side. A looping miss-pass found eager hands, and winger Alec Mileman finished powerfully, shaking off his opposite man to score. Boyes converted, giving Scottish a healthy 24–5 lead at the break.
But rugby matches are seldom one-sided for long. Thamesians began the second half with renewed purpose, boosted by changes at stand-off. A faster tempo and a willingness to test the Scottish fringe defence created openings, and by the 49-minute mark the home side had crossed twice — one converted, one not — cutting the score to 24–17 and swinging all the momentum their way.
The pressure intensified. Scottish were starved of the ball, forced into long defensive sets, and eventually cracked on 70 minutes when a missed tackle allowed a rampaging Thamesians prop to punch through the line. A desperate effort to hold him up just failed, and suddenly the difference was only two points: 22–24. The comeback was very much on.
What followed was arguably the defining moment of the match. Gathered behind the posts, the Scottish players regrouped. A rallying cry, a collective breath, and a hard reset — and the effect was immediate. From the restart, the Lions rediscovered their early control. Strong carries, accurate passing and restored discipline took them deep into Thamesians territory. Once again it was Freddie Gray who provided the finishing touch, proving unstoppable from short range for his second of the afternoon. Boyes added the conversion: 22–31.
With the pressure now broken, Scottish regained full command. Their best handling sequence of the half saw the ball whipped smoothly through multiple sets of hands before Fraser Craig straightened his run and crossed for the final try of the day on 77 minutes. That sealed the match beyond doubt — 22–36 to London Scottish.
Beyond the scoreline were several significant individual stories. Full-back Michael Jamieson, named Man of the Match, was influential throughout — assured under the high ball, decisive in defence, and a calming organiser at the back. Three players made important debuts: try-scorer Dayton Kandrovy; winger Stephan Okeke, returning to competitive rugby after an eight-year hiatus; and LS Colts graduate Amaury Miklichansky-Maddocks, making a proud step up into senior rugby.
In a game that featured surging momentum swings, strong attacking rugby, and a gritty defensive stand when it mattered most, the Lions showed both their potential and their resilience. A match that could easily have slipped away was instead secured through calm heads and collective belief — the hallmarks of a maturing squad.
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This victory keeps the C Lions’ positive start to the calendar year firmly on track and provides a valuable boost of confidence as the season continues to gather pace. Having shown their ability to start fast, adapt under pressure, and close out tight contests, the squad will take real encouragement from this performance. Attention now turns to the next challenge on the fixture list, with the group eager to build momentum and continue their upward trajectory.
Tries: Dayton Kandrovy (1), Freddie Gray x2 (7, 73), Ollie Boyes (29), Alec Mileman (33), Fraser Craig (77)
Conversions: Ollie Boyes x3 (8, 34, 74)
MotM: Michael Jamieson
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Next Round: Saturday 14 February
Lions vs Maidenhead (A)
– Venue: Maidenhead RFC (SL6 1BN)
– KO: 14:00 (TBC)
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Lions B’s vs Finchley 2nd XV (A)
– Venue: Finchley RFC (N12 0PD)
– KO: 14:30 (TBC)
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C Lions vs Hammersmith & Fulham 3rd XV (A)
– Venue: Hammersmith & Fulham RFC (SW6 3RH)
– KO: 14:00 (TBC)
