Match Report – London Scottish Lions vs CS Stags 1863
Regional 1 South Central – Round 9
Venue: King’s House Sports Ground
Saturday 22 November, KO 14:00
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Lions claim ‘King of King’s House’ crown with powerful 42–14 victory
In the long-awaited “Battle of King’s House,” the London Scottish Lions delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat co-tenants CS Stags 42–14 and secure bragging rights for the next five months. With both sides entering the clash sitting 3rd and 4th in the league, and both boasting excellent home defensive records, this was always set to be a fiercely contested derby. Despite a shaky start, the Lions roared back with six unanswered tries to claim a vital bonus-point victory.
It was also a day that showcased the strength and depth of the squad, capped by a magnificent Man of the Match performance from replacement No.8 Dylan Westoby, who made a huge impact after coming on.
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First Half: Early shock, late momentum shift
The match opened in bleak, rainy conditions, and it was CS Stags who adjusted quicker. Within just three minutes, they pierced through the Lions’ defence for the opening try, adding the conversion moments later to lead 7–0. Stags struck again five minutes later with another well-constructed move near the posts, extending their advantage to 14–0 and silencing the home crowd.
For the next 20 minutes, the game remained gridlocked around the middle third, with handling errors piling up as the rain intensified. But the match turned decisively at the half-hour mark when CS Stags’ inside centre was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tip tackle — a moment that re-energised the Lions and swung the momentum entirely.
Immediately, the tempo lifted. Scrum-half Ben Molloy spotted a gap and darted through to score on 34 minutes, getting the Lions on the board. Though the conversion struck the upright, the home side had found their rhythm.
Just before half-time came a vintage Lions score: a 25-metre driving maul from a lineout, with hooker Chris Rolfe crashing over in trademark fashion. Harry Churchill added the extras, narrowing the halftime deficit to just 12–14 — a remarkable turnaround after their shaky opening.
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Second Half: Control, dominance, and a derby put to bed
The Lions emerged after the break determined to capitalise on their numerical advantage. A penalty inside the Stags’ 22 allowed Churchill to slot three points on 46 minutes, giving the home side the lead for the first time at 15–14.
The pressure continued to build, and when CS Stags were temporarily reduced to 13 men following a yellow card to their outside centre, the Lions struck again. A flowing move down the left was finished clinically by Churchill, extending the lead to 20–14.
The crowd didn’t have long to wait for the bonus-point try. In the 58th minute, a sweeping attack found David Heavey on the right touchline, finishing acrobatically in the corner. The conversion drifted wide, but the Lions were now in full control at 25–14.
Another penalty from Churchill on 66 minutes pushed the score to 28–14 as the Lions tightened their grip on the contest. Wave after wave of pressure followed, and though a few chances went begging, the breakthrough eventually came.
In the 77th minute, replacement No.8 Dylan Westoby capped a powerhouse performance from the bench, crashing over beneath the posts to secure the Lions’ sixth and most decisive try of the day. Churchill converted, stretching the lead to 35–14.
There was still time for one final statement. With CS Stags tiring, loose-head prop Michael Baldock broke through the Stags defence and sprinted home to dive in under the posts to finish the match in style. Churchill’s final conversion sealed a 42–14 win — a complete second-half shutout and a defining derby victory.
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A statement win and a surge in momentum
This result consolidates the Lions’ position in 3rd place and sets a marker for the second half of the season. After a slow start, the team’s focus, composure, and physicality shone through, supported by vocal home backing in difficult conditions.
With standout performances across the squad — particularly from Westoby, Churchill, Rolfe, and the returning senior leadership in the pack — the Lions once again demonstrated their growing strength, depth, and belief.
The title of “King of King’s House” goes to the London Scottish Lions in round 1 of this local derby.
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Tries: Ben Molloy (34’), Chris Rolfe (40’), Harry Churchill (55’), David Heavey (58’), Dylan Westoby (77’), Michael Baldock (80’)
Conversions: Harry Churchill x3 (40’, 78’, 80’)
Penalties: Harry Churchill x2 (46’, 66’)
Man of the Match: Dylan Westoby – immense impact from the bench, outstanding carrying and physicality at crucial moments.
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Saturday 29 November
Next up for the Lions, all 3x team are in action:
Lions vs Hammersmith & Fulham (A)
– Venue: Hammersmith & Fulham RFC, Hurlingham Park (SW6 3RH)
– KO: 14:00
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Lions B’s vs Belsize Park 3rd XV (A)
– Venue: The Hub, Regent’s Park (NW1 4NU)
– KO: 14:00 (TBC)
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C Lions vs Hendon (A)
– Venue: Hendon RFC (NW4 1RL)
– KO: 14:00 (TBC)
