The Lions made the two-hour journey in buoyant mood following last week's impressive home victory, although the weather was determined to dampen their spirits. Sideways rain, strong winds and a slippery playing surface made conditions difficult for both sides, with handling proving something of a lottery throughout the afternoon.
Despite the conditions, the Lions made a flying start. With just two minutes on the clock, Aaron Cooper crossed the line to open the scoring, giving the travelling side the perfect start. Tom Best added the conversion to put Deal 7–0 ahead.
However, Park House were quick to respond, taking advantage of their opportunities to cross for a converted try after eight minutes and level the scores at 7–7.
The Lions were enjoying considerable dominance in both the scrum and lineout, with the forwards consistently providing a solid platform. Unfortunately, turning that superiority into points proved another matter. The greasy ball and treacherous conditions made it difficult to put together sustained passages of attacking rugby, with promising moves frequently coming unstuck.
Park House, meanwhile, were making the most of their opportunities and crossed again after 23 minutes to take a 12–7 lead.
Deal responded in determined fashion, with Jack Morgan crossing for the Lions' second try. Connor Moss added the extras, edging the visitors back in front at 14–12.
But Park House were not finished. Another converted try on 40 minutes saw the home side regain the advantage at 21–14.
With the game slipping away, the Lions needed a response, and they duly delivered.
Just five minutes later, Nick Collins powered over for Deal's third try, reducing the deficit to just two points. The pressure was now firmly on Connor Moss, who faced the unenviable task of kicking the conversion in the swirling wind and driving rain.
Moss kept his composure and slotted the ball between the uprights to bring the scores level at 21–21.
The remainder of the contest became a battle of determination, handling and territory as both sides searched for the decisive breakthrough.
The Lions continued to enjoy the upper hand at scrum time and in the lineout but were unable to turn that dominance into the winning score. Park House defended stubbornly and remained dangerous whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Ultimately, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the final whistle brought an entertaining, if somewhat soggy, encounter to a close.
While the Lions will undoubtedly feel that their forward dominance should have produced more than a draw, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. Three tries away from home in atrocious conditions, together with the determination to fight back from seven points down, demonstrated the character within the squad.
The first coach trip may not have produced the victory the boys had hoped for, but they returned to Deal with two league points and their unbeaten run intact.
And after two hours on the road, 80 minutes battling the elements and another two hours travelling home, a few refreshments on the coach were probably well deserved!
NEXT WEEK – LEAGUE LEADERS COME TO TOWN
The Lions return to home soil next Saturday when they welcome league leaders Sevenoaks to Deal.
It promises to be a stern examination for the Lions, but with confidence growing and the forwards continuing to impress, Deal will be looking to make home advantage count.
A big home crowd could make all the difference as the Lions look to bring the league leaders' winning form to an end.
Come down, get behind the boys and roar on the Lions!
TRY SCORERS: Aaron Cooper, Jack Morgan, Nick Collins
CONVERSIONS: Tom Best (1), Connor Moss (2).
Man of the match Tom Best
FINAL SCORE: Park House 21 – Deal & Betteshanger Lions 21.