East Grinstead Too Strong for the Lions

The visitors wasted no time getting into their stride, opening up a 19 point lead in as many minutes. Their first score came from a good three-quarter move down the left flank which, when halted, the ball was quickly moved left for the right wing to make the extra man and score in the corner. This score was the catalyst for two further tries in quick succession. The second coming after the visitors had won ball in the contact area for the second row Tredsett to gallop over from 22 metres. The third resulted from deft handling by the backs ending in a try by fly half Mckenna.
The stunned Lions, who really had not been in the game up to this point, gradually began to get their game together. A big improvement in the cover defence, and the forwards play at the breakdown. East Grinstead backs were a big powerful unit and spelt danger whenever in possession but the Lion’s defence, which had been caught cold for the first three early scores, were now more organised and resolute in the tackle. This was undone once more before the break with a piece of individual brilliance by the visitors right wing Hamson who, fielding a high ball just outside his five metre line in the left hand corner, went on a mazy run which saw him beat six or seven would be tacklers ending with him scoring to the right of the uprights. This try, the visitors fourth, secured them a bonus point and with the conversions from the boot of Mckenna, a 24 -0 lead over the Lions.
Many sides at this stage may have dropped their heads but the Lions are made of stronger stuff and upped their game as they mounted a comeback. Their first score was a result of a splendid effort by the pack that, although smaller and lighter than their opponents, set up a rolling maul 10 metres from the visitor’s line and proceeded to drive them over the line. Influential No 8 Wes Bull got to the touchdown and completed a happy weekend for him after becoming the father of a baby girl the previous day.
This score was quickly followed with a try by Aaron Moss which resulted when an attempted penalty kick by Ollie Best had bounced back off the cross bar which he gathered and dived over. Ollie Best converted to go into the break 24-12 down.
The first 20 minutes of the second period were evenly contested with both sides finding it difficult to breakdown each other’s defence. It was the visitors who finally succeeded when they were awarded a penalty and elected to kick to touch. They won the resulting lineout and drove on before releasing the ball for the left wing Crittell to score wide out.
The Lions came back strongly after this score and after a bout of pressure in and around East Grinstead’s 22; they first moved the ball right then left for the wing Ollie Best to score in the corner. He converted his own try with a terrific strike. 29 -17 to East Grinstead.
The Lions used all three subs with Joseph Hinkins replacing injured Wes Bull, who may have cracked a rib. Player Coach Lee Ambrose coming on for Mathew Curd and Carl Thatcher replacing the injured Alistair Chamberlain.
East Grinstead who started the game so strongly ended the score in the final minutes when second row Peaty drove over for a deserved 34-19 victory.
The Lions although defeated by a better side showed a lot of character and the same effort against lesser sides will surely bear fruit.
This Saturday the Lions are away to Warlingham. The 3rd’s are away to Aylesford 3rd’s Kick Offs 3pm

Reporter Gerald Griffiths