Despite the local affect of Storm Darragh, the U12 Lions played their last Kent group 1 fixture this Sunday as scheduled against a travelling Whitstable. The blue and whites arrived with a record of one win and a loss in the group, while the hosts boasted an unbeaten record in the Kent competition and a lengthy winning streak across all games, the boys were hungry for the W to secure the group and finish top!
Captain Tommy Lane had won the toss in the changing rooms and elected for the home side to kick off and play in to the gusting wind for the first half. Deal started with a lofty hanging ball which was superbly collected and the Lions gained good yards towards the visitors try line. The boys looked well-structured and dragged Whitstable from touchline to touchline for much of the first period, with multiple well sculpted piercing lunges into their 22. Credit to the visitors who remained resilient to Deals pressure and although the black clad lads dominated every area of the game from the first minute, both sides entered the break with a no score draw.
The message at the midway point was brief, clear and simple; “more of the same, remain patient, trust the system”.
The second half was soon under way and with the wind now behind them, the young Lions continued to display their authority. Well organised attack, substantial pressure and sizeable supremacy at breakdown play ensured the hosts camped inside the visitors 22 for much of the third quarter which won them a penalty at about ten meters out. With a move straight off the training ground, the ball found Ryan Long at pace who went thundering through the static Whitstable defence to finally take the boys ahead, 5-0 on the 29th minute. The remaining minutes played out much as the previous, our boys stood firm when in defence, and some of the biggest tackles this season from our lads ensured any Whitstable advance was quickly and robustly extinguished.
A stunningly courageous, mature, and hearted performance from the Deal & Betteshanger boys sealed the victory at 5-0 and leaves them top and unbeaten in their first Kent stage.

An unbelievable team performance with a few particular standouts…
Try Scorers:
Ryan Long

Man of the match:
Jonjo Walkin (voted by Whitstable players)

Coaches mentions:
Hugo Crees – Made his D&B debut and displayed immense bravery in an incredibly physical game.
Arthur Warner – Commanded the backs brilliantly from the centres both in attack an defence, great decision making and made a huge impact at the breakdown when called.
Kenzie Bentley-Campbell – Came on as an impact player and made a MASSIVE impact with some incredible tackles!
Tommy Lane – Immense pressure on the opposition half backs and a massive shift in defence.
Wilf Marchant – Immense bravery and biggest tackle of the game!