The Lions Gain Their First League Win Of The Season

The game started in perfect conditions for open rugby with blue skies and bright sunshine. The Lions got off to the best possible start going into the lead after just three minutes play when Ollie Best kicked a penalty for an infringement at a ruck.
The first scrum saw the Lions pack put pressure on the visitors pack, an early sign of the dominance they were to enjoy throughout the whole game.
Both sides looked keen to play expansive rugby putting the ball through the hands at every opportunity. Fifteen minutes into the game the Lions suffered the loss of their top try scorer Luke Armstrong who had to leave the field with a leg injury. Stuart Adcock coming off the bench to play at full back with Dan Best moving to the wing. Midway through the half the Lions stretched their lead with another Ollie Best penalty.6-0 to the Lions.
If the Lions were in charge at the scrums it was the visitors who were proving the more successful at the lineouts with second row Dave Swainsbury enjoying armchair ride at the back of the line, feeding on the accurate throwing of hooker Oli Boatwright-Smith .
The Lions conceded a penalty with ten minutes of the half remaining which was converted by Thierry Walker. 6-3 to the Lions. This score by the visitors galvanised the Lions back line and after a period of attacking rugby were rewarded with a score on the stroke of half time .Ollie best receiving ball on the visitors 22 placed a delicate chip into the corner for his brother Dan to gather and race into score in the corner. The failed conversion attempt brought the half to a close with the Lions leading 11-3.
The home side stretched their lead early in the second half with a well struck 40 metre penalty by Ollie Best. There were a number of noteworthy performances from the home side, none more so than Number 8 Wesley Bull whose ball carrying allied to his work at the breakdown and lineout stood out. Others to impress were Skipper Adam Michael who posed a threat to the visitors all other the park and the two young half backs Ollie Best and Josh Erskine, an excellent pairing.
The visitors whittled the Lions lead down to 14-12 midway through the half after conceded three further penalties converted by fly half Walker. These scores awakened fears amongst the home support of what happened during their first home game of the season when they let a 17point lead slip against Heathfield and Waldron, ending up losing the game.
The Lions nerves were soon to be calmed with another try , this time entirely due to the efforts of the pack. The Lions awarded a penalty just outside Sevenoaks 5 metre line , opted for a scrum and proceeded to shunt their heavier opponents over the line for open side flanker Adam Michael to get the touchdown. Ollie Best converting. 21-12 to the Lions.
This score, with time running out, put the Lions out of sight. In the dying minutes the Lions were awarded another penalty. Ollie Best with unerring accuracy converting to end an entertaining contest with the Lions deserved victors.
This Saturday the Lions are at home to East Grinstead. The same fixture last year resulted in both clubs being deducted 15 points after the game was abandoned after an on field skirmish. The 2nds are away to Ash. The 3rds at home to Gravesend. All kick Offs 3 pm

Reporter Gerald Griffith