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Deal & Betteshanger Lions v Sevenoaks 2nd XV Saturday 31st October 2026 | Counties 1 Kent
Adrian Nelson
Lions Face Unbeaten League Leaders in Home Showdown
Played every game. Won every game. League leaders Sevenoaks arrive in Deal on Saturday with a perfect record and top spot in Counties 1 Kent firmly in their grasp. But the league leaders are heading into the Lions' Den, and Deal & Betteshanger will be determined to make sure their unbeaten run comes to a crashing halt.
It's a mouth-watering challenge for the Lions, who will relish the opportunity to test themselves against the division's pacesetters in front of their home supporters. Sevenoaks may arrive as favourites, but reputations count for little once the whistle blows.
After a run of three consecutive away fixtures, the Lions returned home with an entertaining 61–31 victory over Crowborough before making the long journey to Park House last weekend. Despite enjoying periods of dominance in the scrum and lineout, dreadful weather conditions made handling difficult, and the Lions were unable to turn their possession into enough points.
Saturday's encounter offers an opportunity to put that frustration behind them and test themselves against the division's form side.
Welcome Return of Back-Row Firepower
There could be some welcome selection headaches for Lions coaches Danny Herriot and Tom Best, with several influential players expected to be available.
Crowd favourite Joe Michael is in line for a much-anticipated return following the fractured eye socket he suffered in the Lions' opening league fixture away at Thanet. The popular wing forward's physical presence, work rate and commitment around the breakdown have been missed, and his return would provide a significant boost to the Lions' back row.
Fellow back-row forward Oscar Furneaux is also expected to be available, giving the coaching duo additional options in what promises to be a demanding contest up front.
Matt Holbrook could also return to the selection picture following his concussion suffered while on university rugby duty, subject to completing the necessary return-to-play requirements.
With more players potentially available, Herriot and Best will have greater flexibility in selecting a side capable of matching the league leaders' physicality and maintaining intensity throughout the full 80 minutes.
A Test of Lions' Ambitions
The Lions have already demonstrated this season that they can play exciting, attacking rugby, but Saturday will demand discipline, patience and the ability to make the most of scoring opportunities.
Sevenoaks' unbeaten record speaks for itself, and the visitors will undoubtedly arrive confident of extending their winning run. However, the Lions have shown that when their forwards establish a platform and their backs are given quality possession, they are capable of troubling any opposition.
The home crowd could also have an important part to play. With the league leaders coming to town and some familiar faces potentially returning to action, there should be plenty of reasons for supporters to get behind the black, blue, yellow, red and white.
As it is Halloween, supporters are encouraged to get into the spirit of the occasion with some fancy dress. After the final whistle, there will be plenty of fun and games for everyone to enjoy, making it a great day out for the whole family.
For the Lions, it is an opportunity to measure themselves against the best in the division. For Sevenoaks, it is another unbeaten record to defend.
One thing is certain: the Lions won't be rolling out the welcome mat.
Come along on Saturday, get behind the boys, enjoy the Halloween fun and games, and roar on the Lions
It's a mouth-watering challenge for the Lions, who will relish the opportunity to test themselves against the division's pacesetters in front of their home supporters. Sevenoaks may arrive as favourites, but reputations count for little once the whistle blows.
After a run of three consecutive away fixtures, the Lions returned home with an entertaining 61–31 victory over Crowborough before making the long journey to Park House last weekend. Despite enjoying periods of dominance in the scrum and lineout, dreadful weather conditions made handling difficult, and the Lions were unable to turn their possession into enough points.
Saturday's encounter offers an opportunity to put that frustration behind them and test themselves against the division's form side.
Welcome Return of Back-Row Firepower
There could be some welcome selection headaches for Lions coaches Danny Herriot and Tom Best, with several influential players expected to be available.
Crowd favourite Joe Michael is in line for a much-anticipated return following the fractured eye socket he suffered in the Lions' opening league fixture away at Thanet. The popular wing forward's physical presence, work rate and commitment around the breakdown have been missed, and his return would provide a significant boost to the Lions' back row.
Fellow back-row forward Oscar Furneaux is also expected to be available, giving the coaching duo additional options in what promises to be a demanding contest up front.
Matt Holbrook could also return to the selection picture following his concussion suffered while on university rugby duty, subject to completing the necessary return-to-play requirements.
With more players potentially available, Herriot and Best will have greater flexibility in selecting a side capable of matching the league leaders' physicality and maintaining intensity throughout the full 80 minutes.
A Test of Lions' Ambitions
The Lions have already demonstrated this season that they can play exciting, attacking rugby, but Saturday will demand discipline, patience and the ability to make the most of scoring opportunities.
Sevenoaks' unbeaten record speaks for itself, and the visitors will undoubtedly arrive confident of extending their winning run. However, the Lions have shown that when their forwards establish a platform and their backs are given quality possession, they are capable of troubling any opposition.
The home crowd could also have an important part to play. With the league leaders coming to town and some familiar faces potentially returning to action, there should be plenty of reasons for supporters to get behind the black, blue, yellow, red and white.
As it is Halloween, supporters are encouraged to get into the spirit of the occasion with some fancy dress. After the final whistle, there will be plenty of fun and games for everyone to enjoy, making it a great day out for the whole family.
For the Lions, it is an opportunity to measure themselves against the best in the division. For Sevenoaks, it is another unbeaten record to defend.
One thing is certain: the Lions won't be rolling out the welcome mat.
Come along on Saturday, get behind the boys, enjoy the Halloween fun and games, and roar on the Lions
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