Matchday summary by Doug Cowie
On a sun-drenched Spring afternoon at King’s House Sports Ground, the London Scottish Lions 1st XV delivered a historic performance to cap off what is arguably the most significant match in the Club’s young history. With just one league point needed to secure the Regional 2 (Thames) league title and promotion to Level 5 of the RFU league pyramid, the stage was set for a monumental afternoon—and the Lions did not disappoint.
The build-up to the day was every bit as electric as the game itself. King’s House was buzzing with anticipation, a packed-out pre-match hospitality lunch drew 85 attendees, and the crowd was bolstered by supporters from across the London Scottish family. Raffle prizes included the legendary ‘Tunnocks Goodies Bag’, a fine bottle of Glengoyne malt whisky, and a luxurious Hotel Chocolat Easter hamper, while an England Rugby shirt signed by the national squad was auctioned off to raise further funds for the club.
As the players prepared to take the field, the stirring sounds of bagpipes—played by Ralph Potter, Andy Parsons, and Stuart Murray—echoed around the ground, providing the perfect soundtrack to a momentous occasion. The Lions were primed and ready.
What followed was a performance befitting of champions. The Lions wasted no time asserting themselves, with Captain Angus Clogg crossing the line just three minutes in. The onslaught continued almost immediately: Lachlan Lowick dotted down three minutes later, and then Fabian Thwaites added a third try just two minutes after that. It was a relentless start. On the 14-minute mark, Finlay Hillicks went over for the Lions’ fourth try of the match—earning the all-important bonus point and sealing the league title and promotion before the first quarter of the game had even passed.
But the Lions weren’t done. With the pressure off and the crowd fully behind them, they turned on the style in the second half, running in a further ten tries with devastating flair and precision. Aylesbury, to their credit, continued to battle and were rewarded with a consolation try with twelve minutes left on the clock, but this was undeniably the Lions’ day.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read an emphatic 88–7 in favour of the Lions. Cue the celebrations!
This win marks the Lions’ fifth promotion in just six playing seasons—a phenomenal achievement for a club only seven years old. While the original ambition may have been five promotions in five years, when adjusting for the season lost to COVID, the Lions have lived up to their lofty goals in extraordinary fashion.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make this day so special—players, coaches, committee members, volunteers, supporters, and the wider London Scottish community. The Lions’ journey is far from over, but this was a day to remember for all involved.
