The Lions 2nd XV Hang on to Win a Close Battle

But As usual they got off to a shaky start with the Bulls using their powerful forwards to good effect & driving deep into the Lions half. After 15 minutes of play the Bulls drove over after a string of phases in Deal’s 5 metre zone for the first converted score, 0-7.
This looked to be the pattern of Aylesford’s game, with their useful fly half causing problems for Deal’s defence & creating space for his fast three quarters. The Lions were winning their own ball in scrums & line outs, pushing the ball wide at every opportunity but the final pass was going astray. After 30 minutes, the Bulls struck again, the ball finding its way to their quick right wing who sprinted around the cover defence for a well earned try, 0-12.
This seemed to galvanise the Lions & they played the remaining 10 minutes in the Bulls half, looking for that elusive first score. It seemed it wasn’t to be after they turned the ball over & The Bull’s counter attacked from their own try line, but a terrific tackle by Sammy Johnson allowed Lee Hayes to grab the spilt ball, side step a defender (yes, really!) & deliver a peach of a pass to young Ben Ebden on the wing for a score, converted by Ian Marriott, 7-12.
Aylesford came back at the Lions & managed to take another 3 points from a penalty just before half time, 7-15.
The Lions started the second half much more determined & exerted pressure from the re-start. From a ruck inside the Bulls half the ball went through the hands to Ben Ebden who kicked ahead & beat the defender to score out wide, the conversion just dipping below the bar, 12-15.
Several changes were made to the line up whilst the conversion attempt was made. Shortly after this there was a spate of handbags resulting in the Bulls full back & Karl Thatcher going to the bin to cool off. A period of sustained pressure in the Bulls half saw the Lions push into the oppositions 22, a cover tackle made by an Aylesford back resulted in a nasty gash that required treatment. Whilst this was being administered the Lions took advantage & pressed the Bulls line with several attempts thwarted by desperate tackling. With an overlap now on, the ball was switched from one wing to another by a long pass from Ebden for Lee Hayes swallow dive over the line. Marriott slotted the conversion, 19-15.
There was still time for Aylesford to come back & they attacked from the re-start. A penalty for not releasing gave them a further 3 points 19-18, but the Lions held on right to the end for a valuable win.
Man of the match; Lee Hayes , for his excellent scrummaging & being on the wing at the crucial moments!