The 2nd XV Show Spirit

The Lions gave a much-improved performance than on the Pre-Season visit .

The Lions started against a strong SW wind, and the Home pack of forwards showed an early superiority . From an infringement in front of the posts, Folkestone kicked an early penalty .
After this initial set-back and a re-adjustment in the Lions’ pack, the set scrums were much better contested . Michael Rowarth, playing his first game at Scrum Half, gave a good service to Ben Ruffley at 10 . There ensued some good play by both sides and the Back-Row of James Hunt, Billy Hollingworth and Tom McLachlan made some good blind-side moves .
Regrettably, Sammy Johnson had to retire with an injury, and Folkestone made a run down the left wing which was tackled into touch but a try was awarded .

After pressure on the Home line, a poor clearance by a Folkestone player allowed Ben Ruffley to touch down for an easy but well-taken try.

The Half-time score was 8 – 5 to the Home side, and the Lions looked forward to making good use of the wind, which was slightly weaker than in the first half .

The forward contest was still intense and therefore the Visitors did not get as much ball from the scrums and line-outs as hoped . However, there ensued strong pressure on the Folkestone line and Carl Thatcher went over for a good try and Matt Halpin converted .

Unfortunately, James Hunt, who had been enjoying a very good game at No 8 , received a blow to his face and had to retire from the field . That was an important loss . Folkestone made progress and went over for a converted try .

After more strong pressure , Folkestone conceded a penalty, which Halpin kicked to level the scores .

Again the game went up and down the pitch, but Folkestone scored a converted try in the closing minutes .

A good game in difficult conditions, well-refereed, and the Lions Team showed real progress in creating a better team .

Team.

Forwards

1.Ross Wakefield 2. Andrew Sapsford 3. Bedir Kaplan 4. Dave Rose 5. Nick Petken 6. Billy Hollingworth 7. Tom McLachlan

8. James Hunt

Backs

15. Matt Halpin 14. Ben Clay 13. Carl Thatcher 12. Sammy Johnson 11. Jake Ward 10. Ben Ruffley 9. Michael Rowarth .

Reserves:

16. Ryan Goodwin 17. Rory Marshman

Report by David Storrie