A MUCH BETTER EFFORT FROM THE LIONS

The Gravesend 3rds are composed of many experienced players who frankly, could play at above this level . However, this is 'a club within a club' and they are a lively bunch and the game was played in a good spirit .

Gravesend started well and the Lions responded strongly . The powerful Gravesend pack began to establish a superiority and thus their backs used the possession to good effect . But the Lions held the attacks as the half wore on and there were some good tackles and strong drives around the scrums, in which Mitch Halpin was prominent . However, the 'off-loading' by the Lions was not good. Too many attacks went to ground when a good offload would have brought results .

Gravesend were strong in their tight scrummaging and forward drives, and this brought tries . Also, the two line-out jumpers for the visitors ensured that they had control and possession in that area .The Half-Time score was 11-nil to Gravesend .

The Lions played better in the second half and there were some good aspects . Maxwell at outside centre burst onto the pass well and Henry Evans, a young man playing on the wing, was impressive under the high ball and counter-attacked well . Ed Topping made some good runs but better off-loading was again absent .

The Gravesend pack made some good drives and scores were made around the edges . The conversions and penalty goals added to the score and despite some good attacks by the Lions, Gravesend kept their goal-line intact .

In all, the Lions deserved to score at least two tries and Gravesend acknowledged that the score did not accurately reflect the match .
Gravesend and their many supporters celebrated a successful season with gusto and style in the Lions Clubhouse and it was a good afternoon for rugby .

The Lions 2nd Team is gathering a good group of players and a better potential is there . More players need to train and to improve their basic fitness , then success will follow

Report by

David Storrie