On a lovely sunny spring-like afternoon, Rugby Lions completed the double over lowly Havant, with a comfortable if uninspiring victory. Numerous spurned try-scoring opportunities left the home supporters somewhat frustrated at the failure to secure the extra bonus point, which was there for the taking.

The visitors hogged most of the early possession with a series of pick and drives. Lions turned the ball over and shipped the ball down the back-line to left wing Phil Reed. He took the ball just inside his own half and skipped through a despairing attempt at a tackle for a clear run in to the line. The score was disallowed, however, after the touch judge deemed the final pass to be forward.

Two well struck penalties by Harry Owens gave Rugby a 6 point lead, although Havant full-back Jackson missed the opportunity to reduce the deficit from in front of the posts shortly after.

Good skills from Ade Hales led to a two on one down the left, but Campton’s pass for the certain try was woeful, and drifted well forward and into touch.

Matt Goode’ strong run ended when his pass went to ground, but this was due to the receiver being held back and Havant’s Finlay Coxon-Smith was given a spell in the bin. Lion’s immediately made the numerical advantage count following the resulting line-out, and that man Goode again displayed his strength by crashing through four defenders to cross the line. Owens converted superbly from near the touchline to give the home side a thirteen-point advantage. This was increased two minutes later with another excellent penalty. Toby Handley was forced to leave the field with an injury to be replaced by Justin Parker.

Havant began to apply pressure in home 22, and after Will Neale was sin-binned for handling on the floor, Nick Morris went over for the visitors in added time. Jackson’s successful penalty ended the first period with Havant back in contention.

An early second half penalty for Havant closed the gap further, and it was Rugby under a bit of pressure. Harry Owens fielded a kick ahead on his own 22 and set off on a great run down the middle of the field. He reached the visitor’s 22 before he was tackled just before he could offload to the three supporting players. Rugby were certainly showing commitment and ambition, but just lacked a little composure to finish off the chances they were creating.

After winning a ruck on the left, the ball was moved swiftly down the back line to allow Ade Hales to touch down in the right corner, and show what a simple game this can be. Owens conversion attempt drifted wide but Rugby were now more secure at 24-10.

A chip ahead from Justin Parker looked to be going into touch on the visitor’s 22, but Liam Munroe somehow got to the ball and hacked ahead. The first defender slipped and Munroe fielded the ball and looked to be going over the try line, before he was tackled a couple of metres short.

Another chip from Parker was expertly fielded by himself down the right flank, and with Munroe in support, the ball was quickly moved left. With players lining up to score, it was Lloyd Warner who made the touchdown. Harry Owens converted successfully, and Lions were after another try to claim the extra bonus point. This failed to materialise, however, and they had to be content with the four points for the win. There now follows a run of four away games before Lions are back at Webb Ellis Road on 4^th April to entertain Chinnor.