There was no under estimating the relevance of this fixture with no less than 7 players of last season’s Ash Squad now swearing allegiance to the Lions squad in the shape of Jordan Thompson, Kirk Williamson,, Matt Downes, Steve Trice, Neil Gault and Sam Smalley. The Lions also had the luxury of having 18 players which in recent times has been a rarity
A minute silence was held at the start of the game in tribute to Ash’s Vice President Pat Smalley who passed away on the 21st September. His Grandson Samwas was playing for the Lions so no better incentive for the Lions to put in a strong performance
It is with great sadness that the club has learned of the death of Vice President Pat Smalley There was added incentive for the Lions wi
With Ash winning the toss they elected to play down the slope. From the Lions kick off the game started at a veracious pace with the Lions allowing the Ash attack to gain unnecessary ground due to missing first up tackles.
Ash had the bit between the teeth and were attacking hard but the Lions defence was staying resilient. Ash’s tactic was to gain territory with a kicking game hoping that their quick chase could pay dividends. Gary Neary playing at fullback was focused and with safe gathering of the ball on a number of occasions was ensuring this was nullified by either clearing to touch or running back to reduce the territorial advantage
Ash were keen to hit rucks hard but on a number of occasions infringed with players going off their feet or going offside by coming in at the side. It was such an occasion that gave the Lions their first points when being awarded a penalty Kirk Williamson kicked the points. 3-0 to the Lions.
The Lions were settling into the game with Kirk Williamson playing at 9 re-cycling the ball well from the rucks and Mitch Halpin at 10 distributing the ball effectively and strong straight running from centres Steve Trice and Matt Downes getting over the gain line or sucking in the Ash’s defence to create openings. Jordan Thompson jumping in the line at the Lions put in was having success in ensuring the Lions kept the ball from the set piece.
The Lions scrum had mix success with both winning and losing against the head on their put in. There was no lapse in the speed of the game as the half continued with both sides wanting to get the upper advantage. It was the Lions who extended their lead with a try. With strong attack play and clever running lines, the Lions broke through the Ash defence just across the hallway line. Ash defended well and halted the attack. The ball was recycled and another good attack saw the ball pass through a couple of players for winger Jason Clarke to score Left of the posts. Kirk Williamson converting. 10-0 to the Lions.
Ash were next to score with a converted. After being awarded a penalty they took a quick tap and go. The Lions were caught napping and allowed the Ash attack to break through the disorganised defence for the ball to go out wide to the wing and a try scored. Conversion completed. 10-7 to the Lions.
The Lions were awarded another penalty for offside at a ruck. Kirk Williamson kicking the points. 13-7 at the break.
The Lions had the slope advantage in the second half. It was inevitable as the game continued that tempers started to fray. Both Teams trying to get under each other skin. The hits were going in hard andboth teams infringing at the ruck to try an disrupt momentum. The Lions scrum was holding its own and appeared to be achieving better success and parity.
The Lions were next to score with a committed passage of play. A good break by Sam Smalley gained significant ground resulting in the ball being kicked through the defensive line.. The ball spilled out of the covering defenders arm and the chasing attack of Mitch Halpin was able to kick the ball across the try line for Matt Downes to touch down. Kirk Williamson converting, 20-7.
Max Friend and Louis Bentley came on as substitutes in the second Half. The Lions defensive lineout was having some success . With Steve Castle jumping at the front. and being able on a few occasions to either get in front of his opposite number or causing the Ash Hooker to throw high and long missing the back pod Ash’s set piece play was disrupted on a number of occasions.
Ash was net t score with another try. Their number 10 was having a strong game and this ultimately led to him being awarded their man of the match. Strong running and interpassing saw him break the Lions covering defence to score right of the posts. The conversion made. 20-14.
As the game reached the closing stages the niggling continued. Nerves were on edge as this was still anyone’s game. Ash were awarded a penalty after Lions were adjudged to have held on in the ruck. 20-17
The Lions upped the anti again and made a number of telling breaks with Jordan Thompson showing good strength in the close encounters . Jason Crews came on as a substitute. Good pressure in the Ash’s 22 saw the ball being recycled number of times from rucks. As the lions edged closer the ball was popped up to Jason Clarke for him to go other the Line. Ash made their feeling known when they considered that he had lost control of the ball in the tackle but was adjudged to have made downward force. The conversion was missed. 25-17.
This was to be the final score with the referee blowing time much to the relief of the Lions
This was a great win for Lions with every player playing for the shirt and each other. Special mention goes to Louis Banger. A young player but committing himself well with some bone shaking tackles and attacking play. It was infact Louis who was awarded The Lions man of the match. As he wasn’t able to receive his award due to leaving early Jordan Thompson took the award on his behalf much to the delight of the Ash club house contingent
If the Lions play with this belief and passion every week then further success is guaranteed
It was a successful day for the club with the 1st XV winning at home against Old Alleynians 15-14 and the 2nd XV winning away at East Peckham 44-7.