A Strong Defensive display by the 2nd XV Against Edenbridge

But this was a changed Lions side fielding a squad with 5 U18’s & 6 U19’s, the recent form of the development squad now playing as the 2nd team, showing that they were no push over. In cold wet, muddy conditions the game kicked off 15 minutes late with Edenbridge attacking from the start, with early inroads into the Lions half proving fruitless. Deal came back & showed good strength in the set piece & holding their own in the lineout & moving the ball wide at every opportunity.
The bulk of the Edenbridge forwards began to tell causing some problems at the breakdown for the Deal pack. A useful kick by Edenbridge’s fly half into Deal’s 5 metre just rolled over the try line to be touched down by Ben Ebden at full back who was then blatantly tackled late by an Edenbridge player. In the argument that ensued, Jo Michaels was sent to the bin for raising his hand & surprisingly a 22 was given. Shortly after, what looked like a good clearance kick from the Lions 22 was well gathered by an Edenbridge winger who showed a clean pair of heels & exploited the overlap wide out to score an unconverted try, 5-0.The Lions then wound the clock down by good use of pick & goes around the breakdowns, keeping possession until Michaels could get back on.
After 20 minutes the Lions made complete use of their subs, bringing on Steve Belam, Jamie Hubbard & Sam Hursey & rotating them every 20 minutes. The Lions had their best passage of play during the last 15 minutes of the half with Andy Tew linking well with the backs, the ball reaching Feeney with one man to beat. However the tackle was good & the ball spilt forward just short of the line. At half time, the Lions realised that they could turn the game around, but from the restart Edenbridge exerted huge pressure on the Lions defence. A cover tackle by Stu Adcock out wide, resulted in a deep cut requiring stitches after an accidental elbow to his face, but with treatment going on, off the pitch, the Lions were down to 14 again & this was when the unrelenting pressure told & one of the big Edenbridge forwards managed to squeeze over after several phases of play, the conversion easily slotted over, 12-0.
In the last 30 minutes of playing time, the game was played exclusively in the Lions 22, but through excellent tackling, defence organisation & determination they kept counter rucking with Edenbridge turning the ball over many times. Only in the last 5 minutes did the Lions manage to breakout & move the ball wide where again they looked dangerous, but when time was up, Edenbridge were grateful to kick the ball out to end this tough game for both sides. The Lions can be proud of their defensive performance, & also of their discipline & composure.
Many teams would have crumpled under the intense pressure. Although it is a defeat, it was a valuable lesson for them as they look forward to a home game against Ashford next Saturday.

Man of the match; Andy Tew, for powerful line breaks & workrate around the park.

Team: Nathan Parker (Steve Belham), Gary Dixon, Harry Deverill,(Jamie Hubbard), James Pledger, John Stabler, Eion McGrath, Sam Ludwig, Andy Tew, Jo Michaels, Ian Marriott, Jake Ward, Stu Adcock, Sammy Johnson (Sam Hursey), Alex Feeney, Ben Ebden.

Referee : Society Ref.

Reporter Peter Marriott