Slow Start Proved to be the Lions Downfall

The Lions had to give second best to a well organised and efficient Crowborough team who showed why they are riding high in LSE2
But the Sussex visitors certainly knew they had been in a game by the final whistle as the lions again showed a dterination mixed with no little craft.If it wasn’t for a slow strt which cost them 10 points and losing two forwards, Joseph Hinkins and Sam Hanley to first half injuries, the Lions could weel have reversed the result.
Crowborough led 10-0 after nine minutes thanks to a penalty from Chris Yates and a converted try by Tom Burgess and their large band of travelling supporters were already looking forward to celebrating a league double over their hosts, whom they had beaten 18-16 at home back in early November
This Lions team however, do not roll over for anybody and they were soon back in contention when wing Carl Thatcher, who is proving a capable replacement for the unavailable Nathan Mitford, forced his way over in the corner.Full Back John Sheenan added the extras to make it 10-7
Crowborough were stung into a response, which was often provided by their pacy and powerful centres and they built a 17-7 half time lead when Andy walters went over in the corner.The lions might have guessed it wasn’t going to be their day when Yates’ conversion bounced on top of the crossbar and then went over, led by the hard-tackling Anthony Hart, they stood impressivelky firm as Crowborough piled on the pressure early in the second half.
Hart was a strong candidate for the Lions man of the match along with full back John Sheehan, who was always reliable under the high ball and also made two or three thrilling breaks into Crowborough territory. One of these attacks resulted in a try for the Irishman but it came too late after Crowborough had extended their lead to 24-7 minutes earlier with a try from Matt Eyres and the visitors were content to play out time.

Article Courtesy of KM Mercury