The Lions were supporting local charity The OGGA Foundation and in particular raising awareness and much needed funds for their "BRAVE" project which provides monthly support groups for children age 0-12 who are dealing with bereavement.
The proceedings started with a pre-match lunch attended by delegates from Heathfield and Waldron RFC and Club Members. Representatives from the OGGA Foundation also attended the lunch hosted by Connor Moss of Mossvine ltd, our matchday sponsor. Luke Shaw from the charity stepped up and said a few words about the OGGA Foundation and the "BRAVE" project.
All the Lions teams whether playing at home or away donated to the charity by purchasing and wearing orange socks.
Focus then shifted to the 1st XV fixture against Healthfield and Waldron. Our opponents currently sitting in 5th and the Lions sitting in 9th position in the league, the Lions would need to put on a strong performance. It was Heathfield who came out of the blocks firing and after 3 minutes of play put the first points on the board. With a combination of the speed of attack and some defensive frailties by the Lions a try was scored out wide by the Heathfield and Waldron fullback. The conversion was missed. 0-5 to Heathfield and Waldron.
This was a wake up call for the Lions and from the restart were soon on the attack. Some good interplay between the backs and the forwards breaking the game line a strong burst by Ross Widdett saw him go over the try line after 7 minutes of play. Ollie Best making the conversion. 7-5 to the Lions.
The Lions went further ahead with a penalty when Heathfield and Waldron were ajudged to holding on in a ruck. 10-5 to the Lions.
Healthfield and Waldron were quick to put further points on the board with a converted try. 10-12 to Healthfield.
The score remained the same until the 20th minute when the Lions were awarded another penalty and Ollie Best kicking for the points.13-12 to The Lions.
The game entered the second quarter, and a period of stalemate with both teams not being able to score. It wasn't until the 38th minute when The lions scored another try. Flanker George Bailey running a good line and receiving a quick pass drove over the white wash. Converted by Ollie Best to take the score to 20-12 to the Lions. The first half didn't end there. Late in added injury time Heathfield and Waldron scored a try and was converted to finish the half. 20-19 to the Lions. The scene was set for a thrilling second Half
The second half started in the same vein as the first with just a minute played, Heathfield and Waldron scored a converted try. 20-26 to Heathfield and Waldron.
Much to the dismay of the Lions Supporters, the visitors scored another try within two minutes of the restart which was converted. 20-33 to Heathfield and Waldron.
Heathfield and Waldron were in the ascendency now and had their tails up, but credit to the Lions, with a no surrender attitude they continued to press for points. After being camped in the opposition 22 some great attack play saw the Lions No 8 Luke Armstrong score a try which was converted by Ollie Best. 27-33 to Heathfield and Waldron.
A Heathfield and Waldron Player was sinned binned in the 66th minute when judged to deliberately knock on to intercept a pass. With the game entering the final 10 minutes, the Lions were still on the hunt to score tries and were rewarded when Deal and Betteshanger Player of the match Marcus Nelson playing at second row, drove over the line for a try. Converted by Ollie Best. 34-33 to the Lions
The clock ticking down, The Lions were awarded a penalty and Ollie best successfully scored the points. This was to be the last play of the game. The Lions coming out victorious at 37-33
A tremendous game of rugby for all the spectators and could of gone either way right up to the final whistle.
Further credit to the Heathfield and Waldron Players who kindly donated to the Match Day Charity. A raffle was drawn in the clubhouse after the match. Special mention goes to Wes Bull for his efforts throughout the day in selling tickets and getting further donations from all who attended. Thanks go to Rob Mugford and all his kitchen Staff for the pre match Meal, all the bar staff for their service in keeping everyone refreshed throughout the whole day and all those who came to the Drill Field to support.
This was a great day for the club and we are proud to have been able to support the OGGA Foundation.

The Lions doing what they do best. Well done to all

Anyone wishing to make any further donations to the OGGA Foundation you can click Here to visiting their fundraising page.