LIONS TOPPLE UNBEATEN LEAGUE LEADERS IN
THRILLING ENCOUNTER
Deal & Betteshanger Lions 31 – 26 Sevenoaks II
A magnificent all-round team performance saw Deal & Betteshanger Lions bring Sevenoaks' unbeaten start to
the season to a dramatic end, claiming a hard-fought 31–26 victory in front of a vocal home crowd of around
300 spectators.
Sevenoaks arrived at Deal sitting proudly at the top of Counties 1 Kent, having won all five of their opening
league fixtures. But the Lions clearly hadn't read the script and produced a performance full of determination,
physicality and commitment to prove that league positions count for little once the whistle blows.
On a glorious autumn afternoon, with clear skies, sunshine and perfect conditions for rugby, both sides served
up a fiercely contested, end-to-end encounter that kept the crowd entertained right until the final whistle.
Lions roar into action
The visitors demonstrated early on why they had established themselves as league leaders, applying
sustained pressure deep inside the Lions' 22.
A succession of penalties in the red zone eventually saw Lions coach and player Tom Best receive a yellow
card, and Sevenoaks capitalised on their numerical advantage to cross for the opening try.
But if the visitors thought this would be the beginning of a comfortable afternoon, they were very much
mistaken.
The Lions responded with tremendous character, their forwards setting the tone with an outstanding display of
physical rugby. Every breakdown was fiercely contested, tackles were made with real purpose, and the home
pack refused to take a backward step.
Joe Michael helped get the Lions on the scoreboard, while Connor Moss produced an extraordinary burst of
scoring that turned the contest on its head.
Moss crossed for two tries within the space of a minute, demonstrating superb awareness and determination
to put the Lions firmly on the front foot.
Moss was also influential with the boot, adding valuable conversions as the home side built momentum.
Luca Twyman added another try to reward the Lions' attacking ambition, with the forwards continuing to
provide the platform for their backs to exploit.
Defence built on determination
Although the tries provided the excitement, it was the Lions' collective defensive effort that arguably deserved
the greatest praise.
The forwards were outstanding throughout, meeting the Sevenoaks challenge head-on and refusing to be
intimidated by their opponents' unbeaten record.
When the visitors did find space, some exceptional covering tackles prevented promising attacks from
developing into scores.
This was very much a team performance, with every player contributing to a display built on hard work,
discipline in defence and a willingness to put their bodies on the line for one another.
There was certainly no shortage of physicality, with neither side asking for nor giving any quarter.
The Lions also had to contend with a second yellow card when the towering Marcus Nelson, all 6ft 8in of him,was penalised for a high tackle.
From the home perspective, it appeared rather more a case of a considerably shorter opponent running into
Nelson than any deliberate attempt to tackle high. Nevertheless, the referee had a decision to make and
Nelson was sent for a ten-minute rest.
Despite the intensity of the contest, the match was played in excellent spirit. The referee deserves credit for an even-handed performance, allowing both teams to compete in what developed into a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.
With the Lions holding a narrow advantage, Sevenoaks demonstrated exactly why they had won their previous five fixtures. The visitors continued to press, refusing to accept defeat and forcing the home side into one final defensive examination.
The Lions stood firm for much of the closing period, their commitment epitomised by another series of
determined tackles and desperate covering efforts.
However, in the dying embers of the match, Sevenoaks finally found a way through for a late try, securing a losing bonus point and setting up one final conversion attempt.
The kick sailed wide, leaving the final score at 31–26 and confirming a tremendous victory for the Lions.
For Sevenoaks, it was a first league defeat of the campaign. For Deal & Betteshanger, it was a richly deserved reward for a performance that combined attacking flair with tremendous collective resilience.
A great day off the pitch too
The rugby was only part of what made the afternoon such a success.
Before kick-off, 60 diners enjoyed a lovely pre-match lunch, providing the perfect start to an excellent day at
the club.
Special mention must go to the club's junior players, who volunteered to wait on tables and did a fantastic job
looking after the guests.
Their efforts were greatly appreciated, and judging by the service provided, one suspects a few of them went
home with considerably healthier pockets thanks to the tips!
Around 300 spectators then gathered to watch the match, providing tremendous vocal encouragement
throughout.
Their support was particularly noticeable during the closing stages, when every tackle, turnover and clearance was greeted with cheers from the touchline.
It was another reminder of the tremendous community spirit surrounding Deal & Betteshanger RFC, with
players, juniors, volunteers, supporters and sponsors all contributing to a memorable afternoon.
A statement of intent
There will undoubtedly be tougher challenges ahead, but this was a result the Lions can take enormous
confidence from.
To defeat previously unbeaten league leaders required far more than individual brilliance. It demanded
commitment, courage, teamwork and a willingness to compete for every inch of ground.
The forwards were immense, the covering defence exceptional, and the entire squad demonstrated the sort of
spirit that coaches Danny Herriot and Tom Best will be delighted to see. Connor Moss's remarkable two-try burst will rightly grab the headlines, but this was a victory earned by thewhole team.
Final score: Deal & Betteshanger Lions 31 – 26 Sevenoaks II.
Five wins from five brought Sevenoaks to Deal. A magnificent Lions performance ensured
they wouldn't make it six.
COME ON YOU LIONS!
Man of the match: Connor Moss
Dick of the day: Marcus Nelson