Match Report: London Scottish Lions 34–19 Tunbridge Wells
Regional 1 South Central – Round 14
Venue: King’s House Sports Ground
Date: Saturday | KO: 14:00
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Saturday saw Tunbridge Wells visit King’s House for a 2nd v 3rd showdown in what looked like a crucial match for both teams. The main pitch had been passed fit for play, and with 60 people attending the pre- match lunch, all looked set for a great day. That was until the message hit the WhatsApp group – lads, does anyone have a mouthguard I can borrow? Despite the admiral team spirit shown (someone did offer a spare to be re-boiled!), your correspondent found himself on his way to Sheen Sports in Mortlake to pick up a new mouthguard prior to getting to King’s House!
With only one training session since the pre-Christmas win over Wimbledon, there was a danger of the Lions starting the match slowly. However, those fears proved unfounded as some quick phase play towards the right-hand side of the pitch allowed the Lions to then flash the ball back to the left wing, Harry Churchill going over in the corner after only 2 minutes. 5-0 to the Lions.
The fast start for the Lions continued as a catch and drive from a penalty saw captain Joe Emson go over to make it 10-0 to the Lions after only 13 minutes.
It was proving to be an open game, with Mark Bright, restored to no. 8 from the second row, and Cameron Wray to the fore. Tunbridge began to test the Lions’ defence, but in what became the story of the day, the goal line defence was outstanding. A crucial penalty turnover was won by Cormac McCracken after several phases, but the penalty failed to find touch. The renewed pressure proved too much, with a try for Tunbridge making the score 10-7.
Over the next 20 minutes Tunbridge picked up two yellow cards, the first for a tackle on a man in the air, the second for a deliberate knock down when it looked as though the Lions might score. However, the Lions were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority as Tunbridge managed the game well. Some loose play from the Lions towards the end of the first half brought yet more pressure from Tunbridge, with a late try making the half time score 14-10 to Tunbridge.
The Lions were able to start the second half in much the same way as the first half, with captain Emson finishing off an attack down the left flank. Angus Clogg’s conversion took the Lions into a 17-14 lead.
There was an unfortunate pause in play shortly afterwards, as half time replacement Jack Parkhurst went down with a nasty knee injury. We wish him a speedy and full recovery and thank those that assisted on the field and with the trip to hospital.
Tunbridge had a lot of possession in the Lions 22, but some outstanding defence limited Tunbridge to receiving two goal line dropouts as their reward. However, as in the first half, the pressure eventually told, and the try for Tunbridge made the score 17-19 with 11 minutes to go.
The aerial work from the Lions had been good all day, and they were able to reclaim the kick off and attack immediately. (Ed. I suggest readers sit down before reading the rest of this paragraph)…as the Lions attacked deep in the Tunbridge 22, hooker Chris Rolfe found himself in the centres. Reader, Rolfey showed, Rolfey goed, he stepped a man, then offloaded off the deck to Mark Bright, who crashed over for a converted try that took the Lions into a 24-19 lead. I know it sounds ridiculous, but your correspondent saw it with his own eyes! Champagne rugby…
The Lions were able to force their way back into the Tunbridge half with a penalty, and while your correspondent was checking on injured Jack Parkhurst, he heard a cheer. I turned around to see Mark Bright over the goal line and running towards the corner to kill some time or to make Clogg’s conversion that little bit harder. Successful on both counts. The missed conversion left the score 29-19.
As the clock wound down, the Lions made a final break. It looked to your correspondent as though there was a knock on following a tackle, but Byron Leach played to the whistle that didn’t come and dived on the ball over the line to make the final score 34-19 to the Lions.
Man of the Match honours went to Frank Scott, whose scrummaging, work rate and physical presence set the tone throughout; it’s also worth noting the opposition gave their Lions Man of the Match to Cormac McCracken
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This was a statement win from the Lions – built on defensive resilience, patience under pressure and ruthless execution when it mattered most. The result sees the Lions move back into second place in Regional 1 South Central, reversing positions with Tunbridge Wells and reinforcing their credentials as genuine promotion contenders. Attention now turns to the next fixture, with momentum firmly on the Lions’ side as the season gathers pace.
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Tries: Harry Churchill (2’), Joe Emson x2 (13’, 45’), Mark Bright x2 (72’, 76’), Byron Leach (78’)
Conversions: Angus Clogg x2 (46’, 73’)
MotM: Frank Scott
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Next Round: Saturday 17 January
Lions vs Worthing (A)
– Venue: Worthing RFC (BN16 4AX)
– KO: 14:00
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C Lions vs Wasps 2nd XV (H)
– Venue: King’s House Sports Ground (W4 2SH)
– KO: 14:00
