Match Report – London Scottish Lions B’s vs Finchley 2nd XV
Middlesex Merit Prem – Round 5
Venue: King’s House Sports Ground
Saturday 8 November, KO 14:30
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Lions B’s make a statement with dominant display at King’s House
The London Scottish Lions B’s continued their imperious form in the Middlesex Merit Prem with a commanding 60–21 victory over Finchley 2nd XV at King’s House Sports Ground. It was the second part of a home double header, following the C Lions’ earlier match against Hammersmith & Fulham 3rd XV, and the final chapter of a day where all three Lions sides were in action.
Having won every game this season with a try bonus point, the B’s entered Round 5 determined to maintain their perfect record—and did so in emphatic fashion. Facing familiar opposition in Finchley, a side they’d met three times last season (losing twice but triumphing in the cup semi-final), this fixture carried an edge of unfinished business. The result left no doubt about which side had moved forward over the summer.
It was also a day of welcome returns. Both Angus Troop—making his first appearance since shoulder surgery—and Calum Murdoch, back in the UK after a year abroad, pulled on the Lions jersey once again. Their presence brought a tangible boost to a squad already brimming with confidence.
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First Half: Ruthless precision and flowing rugby
The Lions B’s wasted no time in stamping their authority on proceedings. Just six minutes in, strong work down the left from Isoa Koroi and a powerful carry from Angus Dandie set up Calum Murdoch to mark his return with a try under the posts. The early breakthrough set the tone for what was to come.
Minutes later, a dominant scrum on halfway sparked one of the best team tries of the season. Quick hands across the backline released Cameron McMillan, who finished clinically in the corner. The crowd barely had time to settle before Morgan Churchill added a third try, finishing off slick handling on the right after another surge from Murdoch.
Unfortunately, Churchill’s afternoon was cut short by a knee injury, forcing an early reshuffle. Yet the Lions’ momentum didn’t falter. After sustained pressure and patient recycling near the Finchley line, McMillan struck again to secure the bonus point before half-time.
With the floodgates now open, further tries from Angus Troop—barrelling through from close range—and Liam Kerr, who powered over after a well-set driving maul, capped off an outstanding half. The B’s went into the break 34–0 up, having dominated both territory and possession.
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Second Half: Finishing the job in style
The second period continued much as the first had ended—with the Lions B’s attacking from everywhere on the pitch. Cameron McMillan completed his hat-trick just minutes after the restart, rounding off another sweeping move across both wings.
Moments later, John Cole finished off a flowing passage of play after a pinpoint cross-field pass from Cameron Symes, whose control at fly-half was exemplary throughout. Symes’ sharp distribution and game management earned him the Man of the Match award, his ability to dictate tempo and exploit space keeping Finchley constantly under pressure.
Finchley to their credit refused to fold, scoring three tries in the final 25 minutes, but the Lions had long since put the contest beyond reach. Before the visitors could respond, Murdoch crossed again for his second of the day, and Aengus McCrimmon added another after a trademark break from midfield—his pace and interplay with Will Cane delighting the home supporters.
A late pair of Finchley tries, including one bizarre moment where play continued after a clear knock-on — with some comments from around King’s House best paraphrased as a “should have gone to Specsavers” moment — barely dented the Lions’ dominant display.
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A captain’s performance and squad statement
Captain Angus Dandie was immense from start to finish, repeatedly making metres in contact and setting the platform for the backs to shine. The pack’s power and handling accuracy underpinned everything, while the backs’ interplay was as clinical as it was entertaining.
This was more than just a victory—it was a statement. The Lions B’s have now played five, won five, all with bonus points, and sit firmly at the top of the Merit Premier, with Rossyln Park 4th XV, who are also on max points after 5 games, in 2nd courtesy of the Lions B’s points difference over them (+114). With players returning, competition for places growing, and confidence sky-high, this team continues to embody the depth and drive within the wider Lions setup.
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Tries: Calum Murdoch x2 (6’, 59’), Cameron McMillan x3 (10’, 30’, 43’), Morgan Churchill (14’), Angus Troop (36’), Liam Kerr (40’), John Cole (45’), Aengus McCrimmon (64’)
Conversions: Ollie Boyes x5 (37’, 41’, 46’, 61’, 65’)
Player of the Match: Cameron Symes – for his outstanding game control and creative distribution
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Saturday 15 November
Next up for the Lions, just the one team out next weekend:
C Lions vs Hampstead 2nd XV (A)
– Venue: Hendon RFC (NW4 1RL)
– KO: TBC
