Sunday was the Finals Day for the Surrey Quins Cup competition where all the Surrey Colts teams play on the same day at the same venue at Old Reigatians RFC. After the narrow last minute Semi-Final loss to Rosslyn Park the week before, the Lions Colts were playing in the Bronze final against Guildfordians in the Hampstead Cup league. Both teams had had a good run into the Finals Day and looked to be evenly matched.
The game kicked off at 12:30pm in mild overcast conditions, perfect for playing rugby. From the kick off the Lions Colts got into their structure and for the first 20 minutes played the best rugby of their season so far in terms of the style and structure of play. However, the pressure in the opposition’s 22 was not converted into points with Lions players being held up over the line on multiple occasions and the only reward was a solitary unconverted try to flyhalf Seth. For the remainder of the half Guildfordians got back into the game and were able to exert some pressure of their own with their first visit into the Lions Colts 22 resulting in a well worked unconverted try from a lineout to even up the scoreline. With the score level at half time both teams and supporters knew the game was going to be a close match. HT 5-5.
The second half started much the same as the first half with the Lions Colts getting themselves into the right parts of the field exposing the space out wide. The Lions were unlucky not to score two tries early on with a professional foul at the ruck and then a high tackle on winger Connor preventing the Lions crossing the tryline but both incidents resulting in yellow cards to Guildfordian players. With the player advantage the Lions players were able to score a break away converted try to winger Connor using the space out wide moving the score to 12-5. Guildfordians never gave up and were able to get themselves back into the game, with the help of some ill-discipline from the Lions forwards resulting in a penalty reversal and a unconverted try from the lineout. The score moved to 12-10 and with only minutes remaining both Lions coaching staff and parent supporters were thinking not another Rosslyn Park! However, the Lions Colts to their credit got into the right part of the field from the kick off and put pressure on Guildfordians. The Lions were able to force a mistake and then break the line with a run in unconverted try to halfback Alex to take the game and the Bronze medal. FT 17-10.
Once again, the Lions Colts displayed a lot of talent and everyone in the squad should feel proud of what has been achieved this season. To go from a zero base to playing six competitive games after Christmas culminating in silverware is a fantastic achievement – one which the club is very proud of.
A special thank you to Old Reigatians RFC for hosting the Finals Day, to all our supporters who made the trip to cheer us on and also to Guildfordians for a closely fought competitive game. And finally, London Scottish Lions Colts would not be possible without the fantastic support from the Velocity Trade team and their sponsorship.
