Deal and Betteshanger 15 vs Lewes 28
Reporter Gerald Griffiths
The Lions entertained Sussex side Lewes to the Drill Field on Saturday hoping for a third consecutive victory following their wins over KCS Old Boys and Old Reigatians but they fell short after a hard competitive game.
The visitors who were just one point ahead of the Lions in the league, having played one game less, started strongly and looked to play an expansive game.But it was their pack that were to provide them with their first score. Winning lineout ball deep in the Lions 22 they set up a maul and drove over for No 8 Ben Tobin to get the touchdown . Fly Half Mills converting. 7-0 to Lewes.
The game had now developed into a real arm wrestle with both packs fiercely contesting the breakdown. It did not take long for the Lions to reply to Lewes early score when just after 10 minutes play they scored in similar fashion to Lewes first score. Winning lineout ball 10 metres from the visitors line they set up a maul and drove over the line for second row Wesley Bull to score.7-5 to Lewes.
It quickly become apparent that the visitors danger man was their fly half Mills who was orchestrating his side with great authority, his tactical kicking and line breaks posing a difficult threat to the Lions defence. It was he who increased his sides lead with a well struck penalty after 15 minutes play. 10-5 to Lewes.
The game was being played at a high tempo with both sides striving for supremacy. The Lions were next to score. After a period of pressure inside the Lewes 22, where the pack had several times been halted just short of the line, the visitors finally conceded a penalty which Leighton Docherty converted. 10-8 To Lewes.
An area of play which was proving a concern for the Lions was the lineout with thrower and the jumpers on a different wavelength which allowed the visitors to kick to touch with impunity knowing they had a good chance of winning Lions ball.
Lewes next score was a carbon copy of the first tries scored by both sides, a lineout catch and drive gave Lewes a score in the left hand corner.15-8 to Lewes. There was no further scoring before the break.
The visitors stretched their lead to 10 points early in the second half with a penalty by Mills following a ruck infringement.18-8 to Lewes. The game at this stage was still there to be won with both sides in with a shout. The Lions put in great effort to reduce the leeway but were dealt a cruel blow with 15 minutes remaining . The Lions who were on the attack on the visitors 22 were undone, as so often happens in modern game, with a flat defence. A pass was intercepted foe Lewes centre Lee Smith to have a clear run to the posts. Mills converting to open up a 17 point lead with little time for the Lions to reply . 25-8 to Lewes
The Lions showed admirable spirit after this setback and strove might and main to close the gap and were rewarded with nine minutes remaining. Wing Sam Johnson started the move down the right hand flank beating two defenders before being halted , The ball then recycled for Anthony Hart to burst over. Docherty converting to narrow the gap to 10 points which mean the Lions had to score twice in the little time left to get something out of the game. For all their effort it proved too big a hurdle to scale. The visitors having the final word with a penalty by Man of the Match fly half Mills. 28-15 to Lewes.
This was a thoroughly competitive and entertaining game with the visitors deserving the victory.
Team
P.King, D.Farrell, M.Robinson, L.Docherty, S.Johnson, A.Hart, O.Schofield, M.Curd, N.Tweed,,S.Hanley, W.Bull, D.Atkinson, S.Cullis, M.Halpin, and J.Hinkins
Subs
L.Williams, C.Thatcher and W.Roberts
The Lions 1st Xv have no game this Saturday.The 2nds are at home to Canterbury 4ths.Kick Off 2.15 pm
