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In a much improved performance from last week, Lions gave their supporters something to cheer about as they saw off the challenge of Welsh opponents Newbridge.  Lacking 4 key pack members, Lions still had too much in attack, and especially in defence, to come through a testing workout and leave themselves in good heart for the league campaign to come. 

With Tim Collier and Rob Field suffering niggling injuries, Lions had Chris Jones and Dave Campton at lock, and both acquitted themselves well, especially in the line-out, which Lions dominated throughout.  Sadly James Overend has suffered a recurrence of an old knee injury and has decided to hang up his boots.  Therefore Lions started with Stuart Potter and Ian Hyde in the centre berths. 

Lions’ fly half Richard Davies picked up where he left off last week with some astute kicking to the corners to keep Newbridge on the defensive, and with young Chris Jones and even younger Dave Campton dominating the line-out, Lions had the first opportunity to show their paces.  However, neither side really settled, and the first 10 minutes was fairly nondescript. 

Nopera Stuart, surely a Shed favourite in the making, livened up proceedings with a superb kick to the corner from loose play, but the bounce of the ball went against him, and Lions were facing a 22 metre drop out instead of a line out on the Newbridge line.  However, Lions kept up the pressure to force a line-out deep in Newbridge territory.  A three man line produced the quality ball from which scrum half Tom Walsh made a sniping run and slipped a lovely pass to the supporting Ben Buxton to crash over for Lions’ first score.  Richard Davies missed the conversion. 

From the kick off, Sam Tovo was taken out whilst still taking the catch in the air, and Richard Davies drilled the penalty 60 metres to set up another Lions’ attacking platform.  Another clean catch allowed Davies to try a drop at goal, but his attempt was charged down. 

A wayward kick from defence by Lions saw the Newbridge wing launch an excellent counter attack, and good backing up had Lions rocking, but some crunching tackles kept Newbridge at bay.  However, a penalty to the corner allowed them to come back, but a chip through was covered by Michael “Ken” Dods from the opposite wing………good to see he has sorted out his tax problems.  The winger showed his class by taking a quick dropout and dribbling the ball round several opponents before being thwarted on half way.

When Lions were penalised in repulsing a Newbridge attack, a quick tap saw the Newbridge flanker embark on a rampaging run that was stopped by solid Lions’ tackling.  A couple of penalties against Lions were run by Newbridge, but they came up against more rock solid Lions defence.  When another penalty was awarded, this time Newbridge opted to go for goal.  A good kick by their fly half posted Newbridge’s first points on the board. 

A lovely restart by Richard Davies gave Newbridge no chance as the Lions’ pack tore into them and forced them into touch.  Newbridge were penalised at the resultant line out for taking the jumper’s’ legs from under him…….luckily they gave them back to him for the next line, but they didn’t seem to be working properly as no Lion jumped for the ball, and Newbridge were able to clear. 

The first bout of fisticuffs ensued from the next line out, with Lions gaining the penalty, but unfortunately the line out, which had been working extremely well until now, did not produce the goods and Newbridge cleared to half way.  More fists were soon flying, with the Newbridge lock being sin binned for throwing a punch, and Lions’ Dave Campton joining him for retaliation.  

The Newbridge prop was singled out by the Shed for more “rough” play, and made the fatal mistake of entering into a dialogue with them, signalling that he had two of something, but the Shed were not sure what.  He was unmercifully taunted from thereon in, especially as he lined up for the kick off after each Lions’ score. 

Nopera Stewart hobbled off at this point to be replaced by Pete Roberts. 

A piece of Welsh wizardry brought the next try, but it was provided by Lions’ fly half Richard Davies.  From a set scrum 30 metres out he shimmied through the first line of defence before beating the full back with a glorious dummy to cross under the posts.  He also added the conversion to extend Lions’ well deserved lead. 

Richard was also instrumental in Lions’ next score with an astute chip over the defence.  As the ball bounced awkwardly, Ben Lewitt was onto it in a flash and almost made the try line before being hauled down.  The Lions’ pack arrived in force, and it was the other flanker, Tristan Prosser who emerged from the melee to claim the try.  Richard Davies again added the conversion. 

At the kick off the Newbridge prop showed the Shed with both hands that he now had four of whatever it was that he had two of earlier.  It must have been in Welsh as the Shed weren’t sure what he was trying to say. 

Newbridge were next to show there attacking prowess with a powerful run by their wing, but Lions’ tackling again held firm, and with Newbridge being penalised in the ruck, Lions’ were soon back in Newbridge territory.  The half finished with Richard Davies pulling a straight 40 metres penalty just wide of the upright. 

All in all a very satisfying first half for Lions with some excellent defence and some promising touches in attack. 

Half time 

Lions    19            Newbridge       3

Lions’ changes at half time saw Tom Woolrich on at hooker and Toby Bainbridge-Kay taking over the scrum half role. 

Newbridge started the half forcefully, and an excellent kick to the corner by their fly half put them in an excellent attacking position, but again Lions’ defence held firm with some rock solid tackling that forced the attackers back time and again. 

Toby Bainbridge-Kay soon demonstrated his skills with a lightening break that was carried on by Ian Hyde, but the final pass to Michael Dods went to ground.  Lovely hands again by the Lions’ backs with quickly recycled ball saw Newbridge scrambling to clear a deft chip from Richard Davies.  Lions’ pressure told as Newbridge were penalised in front of their posts, and the fly half made no mistake to extend Lions’ lead. 

Lions made wholesale changes with on trial wingers Sam Cole and Emanuele Paladinio taking the field, along with Matt Tassell in the centre and Steve Smith in the back row. 

Newbridge now began to come more into the game, and a series of close in scrums looked as though a score was inevitable, but Lions’ defence had other ideas with Steve Smith to the fore with some big hits.  When Lions’ were penalised, Newbridge opted to kick to the corner, but Lions’ stole the resultant line and Richard Davies cleared beautifully to half way. 

More changes in the Lions’ pack saw Paul Thompson replacing the tireless Sam Tovo, Will Pilkington completing an all new back row, and Neil Williams taking over at prop.  Newbridge were now enjoying a period of ascendancy, and a series of close in penalties against Lions’ finally broke the referee’s patience as he awarded Newbridge a penalty try.  Their fly half added the simple conversion. 

The game ended with Newbridge having full territorial advantage, but still they could not break down a resolute Lions’ defence. 

Final result: 

Lions    22            Newbridge       10 

A much improved performance from Lions in attack, and especially in defence.  There were good signs all round as things are starting to come together, and I’m sure that there is more to come.  Another week of working together should stand the team in good stead for the opening league fixture next Saturday against Bedford.  Can’t wait!!