Outstanding Performance by the Young Lions.

After two recent defeats to Thanet the Lions were hungry for revenge and after an opening Lions try by Oliver Martin in the first few minutes Thanet were kept on the back foot throughout the first half. The half time score of 2:1 to Deal and Betteshanger was threatened as Thanet recovered at the start of the second half from the Lions initial onslaught. The Lions forwards led by Ben Heaver however maintained the pressure on the Thanet pack and any attempts by Thanet to score were soon thwarted. Marcus Bryant closed the game at 4:1 to Deal and Betteshanger with two tries in this game to his credit.

After the win over Thanet the Lions were eager to play Whitstable. Once again the Lions pack dominated the game in the scrum with a perfect hooking performance by Josh Taylor. Charlie Smith and Monty Mitford were tireless in getting to the ball in the breakdown and possession of the ball was with the Lions for the majority of the first half. Angus Dempster almost scored a try after running through the Whitstables defence following an impressive charge down of the ball by Ben Heaver. The score at half time was 3:1 to Deal and Betteshanger with Luke Baalham getting the first of his three tries of the day. The second half was an opportunity for the Lions backs to stretch their legs past Whistables defence. Ollie Allen took the ball across the try line after weaving through a Thanet tackle but was unable to place the ball down as he recovered. Success came to the Lions though with 4 more tries taking the closing score to 7:2. These included a thundering carry across the line by Sunny Bell and a dash across the line from 10 metres out by Joe Lewis. Olli White scored his second try of the day to round off a decisive victory for the Lions under his captaincy.

Special mention must be made to the boys from Deal and Betteshanger U11s team, who joined us to make up our team numbers. Also to Ethan Skirrow and Henry English who, between our games, also helped Whitstable to victory over Thanet when two Whitstable players came off with minor injuries. Henry English may indeed be awarded player of the week by Whitstable after his solo run over two thirds of the pitch to score their first try!

Player of the Week Oliver Martin

Report by

Louis Martin
U12's Coach