Match report 16/9/23

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   Blackheath ended the Lions' unbeaten home run that stretched back almost 12 months
Blackheath fired out of the blocks and in to a commanding lead after two tries in the first 8 minutes.
The first came from former Exeter Chiefs centre Sam Hill, making his debut start for the club, who crossed out wide following a five-metre scrum. Just three minutes later Jake Lloyd broke down the right flank and winger Shae Tucker scored under the uprights. Tom Ffitch added the extras to take an early 0-12 lead.
The Lions quickly responded though and after a turnover penalty was won in typical fashion by Will Ward, the ever reliable fly-half Daniel Lewis kicked the penalty to reduce the arrears to 3-12. However two further penalties from Ffitch and another try by Lloyd gave the visitors a commanding 3-23.

The Lions ended the first half with a period of pressure in the Blackheath 22 but were unable to convert the pressure in to points as time after time their driving lineout was repelled by a determined and resolute Blackheath pack, despite the loss of their captain Tom Baldwins to the sin bin.
The Lions continued to dominated territory in the second half and had a number of good opportunities in the Blackheath 22 but the London based side continued to hold firm despite two further yellow cards.
With 10 minutes left on the clock Blackheath secured the bonus point try following a break in midfield from full back Jake Hennessey which was converted by Ffitch who then added a fourth penalty with the last kick of the game to secure a comprehensive and well deserved 3-34 victory.
Head coach Gareth Collins commented afterwards: ''It's a tough one to take today. To lose the home record is disappointing of course but to lose it in that manner is especially disappointing. We pride ourselves on our character and attitude, and being hard to beat, but today we were out-played but also out-fought which is rare. We always knew that this year would be tough and I think the win against Sale has led to a bit of complacency which will certainly have gone after today. Hopefully we can get the edge back that we had in that first game and make a better account of ourselves next week at Plymouth.''
Things will not get much easier for the Lions as they travel to Plymouth Albion who currently sit 3rd in the table on 11 points and have scored 114 points in their opening three games.

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tigerburnie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List World Cup Winner Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Location: Scotland Status: Online Points: 3800	Post Options Post Reply Quote tigerburnie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Match report 16/9/23 Posted: 17 Sep 2023 at 19:17
	Blackheath ended the Lions' unbeaten home run that stretched back almost 12 months Blackheath fired out of the blocks and in to a commanding lead after two tries in the first 8 minutes. The first came from former Exeter Chiefs centre Sam Hill, making his debut start for the club, who crossed out wide following a five-metre scrum. Just three minutes later Jake Lloyd broke down the right flank and winger Shae Tucker scored under the uprights. Tom Ffitch added the extras to take an early 0-12 lead. The Lions quickly responded though and after a turnover penalty was won in typical fashion by Will Ward, the ever reliable fly-half Daniel Lewis kicked the penalty to reduce the arrears to 3-12. However two further penalties from Ffitch and another try by Lloyd gave the visitors a commanding 3-23. The Lions ended the first half with a period of pressure in the Blackheath 22 but were unable to convert the pressure in to points as time after time their driving lineout was repelled by a determined and resolute Blackheath pack, despite the loss of their captain Tom Baldwins to the sin bin. The Lions continued to dominated territory in the second half and had a number of good opportunities in the Blackheath 22 but the London based side continued to hold firm despite two further yellow cards. With 10 minutes left on the clock Blackheath secured the bonus point try following a break in midfield from full back Jake Hennessey which was converted by Ffitch who then added a fourth penalty with the last kick of the game to secure a comprehensive and well deserved 3-34 victory. Head coach Gareth Collins commented afterwards: ''It's a tough one to take today. To lose the home record is disappointing of course but to lose it in that manner is especially disappointing. We pride ourselves on our character and attitude, and being hard to beat, but today we were out-played but also out-fought which is rare. We always knew that this year would be tough and I think the win against Sale has led to a bit of complacency which will certainly have gone after today. Hopefully we can get the edge back that we had in that first game and make a better account of ourselves next week at Plymouth.'' Things will not get much easier for the Lions as they travel to Plymouth Albion who currently sit 3rd in the table on 11 points and have scored 114 points in their opening three games.