London Scottish Lions edged out Reeds Weybridge in their last pre-season friendly, in a match that saw the lead change hands multiple times. Reeds Weybridge started strong, capitalising on an early mistake by the Lions to score the opening try in the 10th minute – a box kick from Reeds was spilled by the Lions, leading to a series of grubber kicks that ultimately resulted in Reeds touching down near the posts, giving them a 7-0 lead.
The Lions responded in the 29th minute, with Finlay Hillicks powering over from the base of the scrum just six metres out, levelling the score at 7-7 with the conversion being added by Gavin Kinder. However, Reeds Weybridge regained the lead in the 34th minute, executing a textbook driving maul from a lineout to push over for their second try, making it 14-7. Just before halftime, the Lions drew level again, with Jem Edwards making a strong run off 9 from a scrum 10 metres out – his offload in the tackle to Aaron Perrin saw the latter dive under the posts, sending the teams into the break tied at 14-14 after the conversion had been added by Gavin Kinder.
The second half began with a bang as the Lions struck quickly in the 44th minute. Fabian Thwaites, after making a brilliant tackle near the halfway line, stripped the ball and launched a counterattack – picking up the bouncing ball, his fleetness of foot combined with a clever dummy opened up space, allowing him to sprint through the defence and score midway between the wing and the posts, putting the Lions ahead 19-14. Reeds Weybridge fought back, and in the 63rd minute after sustained pressure, they managed to break through the Lions’ defence with a wide pass to their right winger, who slipped a tackle to score. The conversion was missed, leaving the score tied at 19-19 and a tense final quarter.
The decisive moment came in the 70th minute, following a period of Lions pressure inside the Reeds’ 22. After a series of failed attacks, the latest resulting in a Reeds scrum 5 metres out in the middle of the pitch – pressure from Lions resulted in a messy clearance attempt from Reeds, leading to a second phase tackle just short of the line – the ball was then rolled backwards over the tryline by Reeds and Chris Rolfe, showing quick thinking and a keen understanding of the laws, managed to sneak his hand through the melee to touch down for the Lions’ fourth and final try. The successful conversion from Gavin Kinder put the Lions ahead 26-19, a lead they would hold until the final whistle, capping off a thrilling and competitive encounter, and an end to their pre-season fixtures.
Next up for the Lions is their first league game in the level 6 Regional 2 Thames league – away against Aylesbury RFC, 15:00 KO
Aylesbury RFC
Ostler’s Field
Brook End
Weston Turville
Aylesbury
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
HP22 5RN
