Brighton Give the Lions the Blues.

The visitors started the stronger of the two sides mounting pressure on the Lions line and reaping early reward with a try by their inside centre Neil McGovern, after just five minutes play. Converted by Fullback Finch. 7-0 to Brighton.
After this early setback the Lions got to grips with their game upping their tempo at the breakdown with some excellent tackling around the fringes with the back row of Andy Agar, Wes Bull and The Court Yard 1st XV Man of the Match Alistair Chamberlain outstanding. The Lions task was made more difficult after 15 minutes play when tight head prop Arthur Evans was sin binned for questioning a referee’s decision. The home side reduced the visitors lead with a penalty kicked by Blair Charge.7-3 to the Brighton
The game at this stage was being evenly contested with neither side being able to impose any real dominance. Although Brighton added to their lead with a penalty by Fullback Finch, the Lion’s fans expectations were raised just before the break when their pack, who had previously been experiencing some difficulties at scrum time, turned the tables on their opponents. After being awarded three successive scrums deep inside Brighton’s 22 which had broken up with the visiting eight in retreat, the referee awarded a fourth which the Lions drove over the line for Hooker Matthew Curd to get the touchdown. The conversion sailing wide.10-8 to Brighton.
Any hopes of the Lions building on this score were quickly dispelled after the break. The Brighton pack rolling a maul over the Lions line for blindside wing forward Will Smith to get the touchdown. Full back Finch converting.17-8 to Brighton
With the game entering the last quarter, the Lions replaced fly half Blair Charge with Jack Brown who, after leaving for a spell at Tonbridge Juddians and a period out with injury, was making his first appearance since his return. The Lions were working hard to narrow the gap but were undone when they conceded another penalty which was converted by Finch. 20-8 to Brighton.
A late rally by the Lions saw them come close to crossing the Brighton line a number of times. On one occasion, appearing to have scored with centre Anthony Hart grounding the ball at the foot of the upright.
To sum up the visitors just about deserved to win a tightly fought battle
This Saturday the Lions face an equally tough challenge when they travel to meet 4th Place Crowborough. The 2nd XV seconds are at home to Snowdown. The 3rd XV development squad away to Folkestone. All Kick off’s 2.15 pm

Reporter Gerald Griffith