Hard fought battle in Northampton

An early start and a long drive to Northampton saw the Pride of 12 players head across the border for our final league game of the season. Following all the rain in Cardiff, training preparations for the game hadn't been the best but the squad were in high spirits for one of our most anticipated games of the season.

Having never played against Northampton Outlaws RFC, the Lions were fired up ready to take them on. We had played alongside several of their team at previous Thebans' Clinics we knew it would be a hard fought match. Thankfully the weather held out for the match and we kicked off with some windy but dry conditions.

The first half saw the Outlaws start strong and attack the Lions' defence at all angles. With only 13 men-a-side (1 player borrowed kindly from the Outlaws), there was plenty of space for both teams to attack and exploit. It wasn't long before the Outlaws crossed over the try line and opened the scoring. Some strong rucking and counter rucking by the forwards saw the Lions' defence hold out against several attacks from the Outlaws including turning over a few rucks too. Tango Pritchard continued to show dedication to the Pride by attacking as many rucks as he could.

With new forwards in both teams, uncontested scrums were used throughout the match. These saw both teams run fantastic lines off the back of them with the Lions punching through the Outlaws initial defence several times thanks to Gareth Waters and Luke Bonome-Davis. Half time came and the Lions rallied around captain Liam Donovan and coach Christopher Whitton for the half time talk.

Following the restart the boys hit hard and were rewarded by spending the majority of the first 15 minutes of the half in the Outlaws half. A fantastic charge down by Nathan Sorby saw Kevin Sandrey-Owen pounce on the ball and cross the Outlaws try line. With Benjamin Metters spot kicking on form, the Lions converted all of their 3 tries.

The second half also saw some great link up play between the two centres Liam Donovan and Martin Plant that almost got the pride over the try line a few more times but a stoic defence by the Outlaws prevented them. All in all, despite the score line, the Lions played well and certainly deserved more tries. We were pleased to have Rhys Craig back in the squad as well as seeing Dan Guy, Karl Mugford and Paul Millner develop with each game they play.

Men of the Match were awarded to Nathan Sorby and Kevin Sandrey-Owen.

Thank you once again to Northampton Outlaws RFC for their hospitality and to the RAF Referee who conducted the game brilliantly and allowed it to flow.

The Lions' next fixture is against 157 (Welsh) Regiment Royal Logistics Corps on March 25th at The Lions' Den, kick off 14:30. We look forward to seeing many of you there.