Match Report: C Lions 105–10 Wasps 2nd XV
Middlesex Merit Div 2 – Round 11
Venue: King’s House Sports Ground
17 January, 14:00
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The C Lions marked their first outing of 2026 in emphatic style, running in a century of points to defeat Wasps 2nds 105–10 at King’s House. Playing their first match since an away victory at Hackney RFC on 6 December, the C Lions produced a performance that showcased just how formidable they can be when numbers and availability align. It was a statement win, underlining the squad’s potential and depth, even if consistency of selection remains the season’s ongoing challenge.
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After a long festive break, there were understandable nerves in the opening exchanges. Those jitters showed early, as a loose offload and some soft shoulders allowed Wasps 2nds to score inside the first five minutes. At 5–0 down, the visitors briefly threatened to make a contest of it.
That moment proved to be the spark rather than the warning sign. From there, the C Lions settled quickly and began to execute the basics with precision: strong carries, quick ruck speed, and aggressive, organised defence. Once the platform was established, the floodgates opened.
Fraser Craig, returning from injury at fly-half, wasted no time in reminding everyone what he brings to this side. He scored early himself and then took full command of the game, controlling territory, tempo, and distribution with authority. His calm leadership allowed the C Lions to play at pace and stretch the Wasps defence across the full width of the pitch.
The first half saw tries arrive regularly. Sebastian Kennett crossed twice from full-back, Joshua Steel powered over from the engine room, and Fraser Waddell added a brace from the midfield as the Lions’ backs began to cut loose. Craig’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking over, and by the time Rio Iwabuchi dotted down shortly after the break, the result was already beyond doubt.
If the first half was about control, the second was about expression. The forwards continued to dominate at scrum time, giving the backs front-foot ball to attack from. Freddie Gray was outstanding at the base of the scrum at No.8, carrying relentlessly and linking play superbly despite having been unwell earlier in the week – a performance that showed no hint of sickness.
Among the many highlights was a sensational score from Rio Iwabuchi, who stepped through defenders before grubbering ahead and regathering perfectly to beat the final tackle attempt. Veteran Johnny Newman then provided a moment that summed up the afternoon’s confidence and enjoyment, declaring “I’m going to score now” before catching a restart and running 60 metres to the line, breaking tackles – and a few hearts – along the way.
Harry Montgomery made a lively impact from the bench, scoring twice and adding the final conversion, while Alex Reeve capped the scoring late on from scrum-half. Wasps did manage a second try midway through the half, but it did little to halt the momentum as the C Lions surged past the century mark.
It was a game where almost every player could lay claim to Man of the Match honours, such was the collective performance. In the end, Josh Steel was deservedly recognised for his tireless work rate, physicality, and leadership in a dominant pack display.
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This was a near-flawless afternoon for the C Lions, aside from the brief early wobble and a second concession later on. It was also a reminder of what this group is capable of when they are able to field a full side. While Wasps 2nds were hampered by late withdrawals and players being called up to their 1st XV – something the C Lions acknowledge – there is no doubt that with a performance of this quality, the Lions would back themselves against anyone in the league. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and turn potential into regular results as the season progresses.
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Tries: Fraser Craig (9), Sebastian Kennett x3 (11, 22, 76), Joshua Steel (24), Fraser Waddell x2 (28, 34), Rio Iwabuchi x2 (45, 72), James Holroyd (54), Harry Montgomery x2 (57, 68), Graham Thomson x2 (66, 74), Johnny Newman (78), Alex Reeve (79)
Conversions: Fraser Craig x7 (10, 12, 23, 25, 29, 55, 58), Rio Iwabuchi x1 (69), Sebastian Kennett (77), Harry Montgomery (80)
MotM: Josh Steel
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Next Round: Saturday 24 January
Lions B’s vs Quintin (H)
– Venue: King’s House Sports Ground (W4 2SH)
– KO: 14:00
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C Lions vs Belsize Park 4th XV (H)
– Venue: King’s House Sports Ground (W4 2SH)
– KO: 13:00
