But contrary to expectations it was the home side who started the stronger and after mounting some early pressure in and around the visitors 22 missed a simple penalty to take the lead. The Lions continued to mount pressure and spurned another good opportunity to put points on the board when another kickable penalty sailed wide of the posts

The visitors backline looked a capable outfit but at this stage of the game their attacking options were quickly closed down by some excellent first up tackling by the Lions three quarters. The Lions were first on the scoreboard. This was reward for some superb work by the pack who gained ground upto the visitors 22 with a series of driving mauls before Aylesford conceded a penalty. The Lions chose to kick to touch and from the resulting Lineout drove over the visitors line for the hardworking Ashley Hollingworth to get the touchdown. 5-0 to the Lions.

Aylesford desperately tried to get their backline into the game but after being unable to unlock a resolute Lions defence were reduced to their fly half sending up some high bombs with little success. The Lions increased their lead in the 25th minute when, winning a scrum on Aylesfords 22 line, scrumhalf Adam Michael ,who needs no second invitation with the white wash in site, made a delightful break dummying outside and side stepping inside the second defender to score 12 metres in from the corner flag.Fly half Blair Charge converting for a 12-0 lead.

After 35 minutes the Lions saw their inspirational blind side wing forward and The Court Yard 1st XV Man of the Match Andy Agar yellow carded for being offside at a scrum. The visitors enjoyed their best spell of the half in the last ten minutes and were rewarded with a try scored by their No 8 following a good forward drive. Converted by their fly half to narrow the Lions lead to 12-7 at the break.

The second period saw the visitors up their tempo and enjoy better territory and possession than they did in the first half but were a trifle lucky with the score that took them ahead when their outside centre got away with a slight knock on before grounding the ball. The Fly half converting for a 14-12 lead.

This score inspired a period of pressure by the Lions when a number of forward drives were halted just short of the line. With just two points separating the sides everything hinged now on the next score.Unfortunately for the Lions it was the visitors who put the game to bed with a late penalty by their fly half to seal a narrow victory in what had been a very closely fought contest with little to chose between the sides over the eighty minutes.

This Saturday the Lions are away to Warlingham. The 2nds are at home to Edenbridge and the £rd’s away to Old Gravesendians

Reporter Gerald Griffiths