Lions 12 - 10 O Saltleians

Another glorious day welcomed Old Salts to Stourton Park. Speaking to their coach before the game it appeared that pre-season had gone well however the game against Old Hales last week had taken its toll with a number of injuries to key players.

The game started with both sides looking evenly matched. An early exchange of penalties set the scene for the rest of the match with the game swinging both ways. The Lions looked solid up front with Paul Meakin having his first experience of the ‘dark arts’ of the front row and Tom Richmond and Adam Smith like a rash over the opposition.

Salts spun the ball across the back line only for No.11 to gift the ball to Tom Millen who scorched down the line before drifting inside to pop a nice inside pass, the ball was switched to the outside where Danny Cox finished in the corner. Lewis Collins back in his favoured fly-half position slotted the touch line conversion 7 – 0.

Possession continued to change hands as a result of a number of turnovers however the game continued to played in the middle sector of the pitch with neither team really dominating. Lions skipper Chris Simcox was making good use of the new ELVs constantly pulling Old Salts maul pull down – unfortunately both he and Paul Harper-Smith had to leave the field of play after picking up injuries – half time 7 – 0.

The second half started much has the first half however Salts desire to get back into the game was greater and once Lions gave the ball away Salts No14 battered his way up the touch line to set up a series of rucks 2 yards from the Lions line. Dogged defence eventually resulted in Stour turning over possession and clearing their line.

Again Salts came back determined to level the scores – Stour seemed to be rushing their rugby and allowing Salts to turnover possession yet again. This time the ball was swiftly spun across the back line and with the Lions running out of defenders Old Salts No11 scoring – conversion missed 7 – 5.

Moving into the last quarter Salts were now applying pressure in all areas. Stour ran the ball from their own 22. However after a promising break the ball was again given away which allowed Salts to attack again – unfortunately the ball was knocked on just in front of the Stour posts. The resulting scrum was taken against the head by Salts – fly-half received the ball and waltzed over in the corner to great delight of Salts supporters – conversion missed 7 – 10. Arran Haydn’s injury reducing the Lions down to 14 men – 5 minutes to go.

Old Salts now looked the dominant force however an error in the centre of the field allowed the ball to hacked up field and with Stour pressure Old Salts full back could only kick the ball into touch for an attacking line out for the Lions – last throw of the dice – a couple of penalties ensued which allowed the Lions to maintain pressure and with the bit between his teeth Matt Poole was looking to barge the ball over – the ball was rucked back to Lewis Collins who fed the ever elusive Jacob John who ghosted in at the corner. Lewis missed the conversion but it didn’t matter 12 – 10 – referee blew his whistle for the end of the game. The Lions ecstatic - Old Salts gutted.

Lions sneaked a close game and recorded their first win of the season – lets hope for further success.