brighton v Bournemouth

The clash between Brighton and Lions kicked off with the sun casting its golden glow upon the pitch, and it was the Lions who took the first reception. However, a swift offensive by Brighton immediately put the Lions on the defensive, conceding an early penalty. Electing to kick to the corner, Brighton’s rolling maul found itself in a stalemate, allowing the Lions to hold firm and earn a scrum for their commendable efforts.

Initial concerns arose as Brighton applied pressure, but the Lions held their ground, securing possession and deftly booting the ball into touch. Yet, Brighton wasn’t to be deterred, returning to the offensive. It was then that Ryan Morrell, with keen anticipation, intercepted the ball, embarking on an exhilarating run down the pitch. Alas, the pace of Brighton’s defence proved enough to thwart Morrell just short of the try line. Brighton managed to clear their lines, but the Lions promptly resumed their assault.
A penalty within Hancox’s range saw the Lions opening the scoring at 0-3. From the restart, the Lions surged, Grant Hancox carving a path through the line and into Brighton’s 22. Yet, the nimble Brighton defence swiftly regrouped, isolating Hancox and forcing another penalty, allowing them to clear their lines from just inside their own half.

Brighton’s attempts to work the ball through their ranks resulted in a loose ball, compelling them to retreat to their own 22 and punt for clearance. The Lions repossessed and opted for a gallant run, stringing together phases and steadily advancing through Brighton’s half. Each player contributed crucial meters, culminating in the Lions positioning themselves on the Brighton 22. Another Brighton penalty conceded, and who better than Hancox to extend the lead to 0-6.

Brighton’s lengthy kick granted the Lions the opportunity to launch a formidable counterattack, though a slight fumble cost them possession. This allowed Brighton to re-enter the fray. Advantage played after a knock-on, but Brighton then erred with a crossing penalty. Fitch sent a precise kick into touch just inside Brighton’s half. The Lions secured the ball with newfound poise, a marked improvement from earlier encounters. Brighton, once again, infringed, this time for a high tackle. The Lions couldn’t capitalize on the advantage, instead opting to kick for touch on the Brighton 22.

A brief lapse saw the ball go loose, compelling Brighton to force the Lions back to the halfway line. The Lions maintained their composure, eventually funnelling the ball to Ryan Morrell. What ensued was a breath-taking display of power and speed, as Morrell tore through Brighton’s defence, eluding six defenders on route to the Lions’ first try. Hancox’s conversion brought the score to 0-13.

The Lions, buoyed by Morrell’s heroics, restarted with Stanley Vincent, whose tenacity in pursuit of the ball had been a standout feature. The Lions maintained possession through a series of phases, but just as they sensed the momentum shifting in their favour with a rolling maul, the referee called for a forward pass, gifting Brighton a scrum on their own 22. Brighton cleared their lines with a hefty kick, met by Hogan, whose own kick unfortunately strayed out, granting Brighton a lineout within the Lions’ 22.
Brighton attempted to manoeuvre, but the Lions aggressively contested the breakdown, ultimately winning a penalty. Unfortunately, the ensuing kick failed to find touch, allowing Brighton to launch an attack. As they spread the ball wide, the Lions committed a knock-on in their own half, affording Brighton a scrum. Brighton secured the ball, but a crunching tackle resulted in a turnover. The Lions swiftly moved the ball to Morrell on the wing, who embarked on yet another explosive run. Brighton believed they’d driven him into touch, but a penalty was awarded. Now, the Lions stood poised on the Brighton try line with a lineout.

The ball sailed long, and Brighton reacted swiftly to secure it. They pushed the ball down the touchline to halfway. An injury halted play briefly, before resuming with a Brighton scrum. The ball flew across the field but was fumbled and subsequently knocked on near the touchline. A Lions scrum just shy of the Brighton 22 followed. The ball squirted out the back, narrowly gathered by Hancox. A series of dynamic line breaks by Goodall propelled the Lions into the Brighton 22. However, a series of errant passes led to Higgins knocking on. Brighton seized the opportunity, running into the Lions’ half and forcing a penalty in front of the posts.

Brighton’s successful kick brought the score to 10-13. From the restart, Vincent’s tenacity once again paid off, reclaiming possession for the Lions. As they pressed into the Brighton 22, they earned a penalty. Hancox stepped up, converting from in front of the posts, making it 10-16.

Vincent’s assured catch from the subsequent restart set the Lions in motion once more. They continued to run the ball, and as Brighton sought possession, they conceded yet another penalty. This allowed the Lions to secure a lineout deep in Brighton territory. The ball was won in the middle of the pitch by the Lions’ forwards. With the pack in control, a rolling maul commenced, only to be deliberately collapsed by Brighton, earning them a yellow card. Hancox’s kick lacked the necessary distance, affording Brighton a lineout at the halfway mark. However, an errant throw saw Brighton’s scrum called into action.

The Lions exerted immense pressure, resulting in a scrum reset. On the second engagement, the Lions once again dominated, earning a scrum of their own. Brighton then committed an infringement, allowing the Lions to kick for half-time.

As the half-time whistle sounded, the Lions held a deserved lead of 10-16. Their dominance had been apparent in every facet of play. Brighton, though fortunate to remain within striking distance, faced an uphill battle against a Lions side displaying exceptional prowess with ball in hand. While the Lions’ defence stood resolute, they would be wise to keep a watchful eye on Brighton’s fleet-footed wingers, whose pace posed a palpable threat.

The second half kicked off with Lions looking to build on their commendable first-half performance. However, it was Brighton who secured the ball from the kick-off, executing a well-placed box kick. The Lions seemed to lose sight of the ball in the high contest, allowing Brighton’s wingers to break through down the flank and notch an early second-half try. The subsequent conversion attempt missed, bringing the score to 15-16.

From the restart, Brighton opted for another box kick, this time safely gathered by the Lions. Goodall attempted an offload in the tackle, but a wayward pass to Higgins resulted in a knock-on. This led to a Brighton scrum deep in their own territory. It seemed Savage had secured the ball, but as it popped out, he found himself off his feet, incurring the ref’s whistle. Brighton chose to kick to touch. A swift ball movement through the Brighton ranks created an opening in the Lions’ defence, and they surged toward what they believed to be their third try. However, a foot in touch spared the Lions, though they failed to secure the ensuing lineout. Brighton capitalized, unleashing their backs to exploit the available space and successfully crossed the try line. With the conversion, Brighton claimed the lead at 22-16, exposing a momentary lapse in the Lions’ concentration.

The Lions gathered themselves for the restart, and a well-executed chase saw the ball sent into touch. Goodall, a standout performer, pilfered the ball from the ensuing lineout, affording the Lions a prime attacking opportunity. The ball moved methodically across the field, inching forward. It eventually found its way to none other than Alan Manning, who astutely identified a gap and powered through two defenders to secure the Lions’ second try. Hancox’s successful conversion nudged the Lions back in front at 22-23.

Brighton’s ensuing kick was collected expertly by the Lions, with Finch, in sublime form, bursting through and surging toward the Brighton 22. This time, he wisely held onto the ball, taking it into contact for a successful recycle. Lions support flooded in, sustaining the attack. However, an unfortunate fumble over the Brighton line resulted in a defensive scrum for Brighton. A kick to clear, followed by a resolute rolling maul by the Lions, propelled them toward the Brighton 22. When the maul was brought down, Hancox calmly slotted a penalty, extending the lead to 22-29.

Brighton’s long kick set off a flurry of activity, with the ball eluding the Lions’ grasp. As Brighton looked to seize control, the ref signalled for a high tackle. Brighton opted to kick for the corner. The ensuing lineout was scrappy but ultimately secured by Brighton. The Lions conceded a penalty, and though nothing came of the advantage, Brighton opted for a quick tap and go. The Lions’ defence was caught off guard, allowing Brighton to breach the try line. With the successful conversion, the scores were level at 29-29.
In the wake of a fracas following the try, the ref awarded the Lions a penalty at the restart. Hancox stepped up, delivering a precise kick from the halfway line to restore the Lions’ lead at 29-32. Brighton managed to secure the ball from the restart, their formidable forwards exerting pressure and driving the Lions backward. When the ball was released, the Lions’ defence was too swift, creating an opening for Brighton to exploit. Due to an injured Lions player, a scrum was awarded to Brighton. Brighton looked to go under between the posts, but the Lions’ ferocious defence held firm. The ref eventually penalised the Lions and issued a yellow card to Hancox. Brighton chose a scrum in front of the posts, and as the ball reached the Brighton 13, he identified the space and touched down. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Brighton now led 34-32.

Brighton sought to run the ball from the restart, quick hands moving through the pack, but a knock-on occurred in the ensuing contact. Lions scrum, with Hancox off the pitch, Hogan took on the role of scrum half. The Lions won the ball and executed a precise kick forward. Brighton, sensing an opportunity, attempted to run the ball. The Lions’ defence held firm but was penalized for a high tackle. A kick to touch ensued, and with the Lions a man down, the defence appeared stretched, with numbers favouring Brighton on the far side. The Lions’ defence again sought an intercept, but the ball found its way to the Brighton winger, who managed to cross the try line. The conversion was missed, bringing the score to 39-32.

With the Lions still down to 14, they kicked off to restart, with Morrell narrowly missing a catch. Brighton emerged with the ball, advancing up to halfway. However, as the ball was released, Fitch intercepted and embarked on a 50-meter sprint to score. Since Hancox couldn’t return to the pitch until after the kick, Fitch took on the conversion himself, successfully levelling the scores at 39-39.

With only minutes remaining, Hancox returned to the field, and the Lions immediately launched an attack. A kick chase applied pressure, resulting in a Brighton knock-on. The ensuing scrum favoured the Lions, but they conceded a penalty. Hancox’s kick, an attempt to put the Lions back in the lead, fell short. Brighton sought to run the ball wide but fumbled, prompting the ref’s final whistle.

The full-time score stood at an electrifying 39-39. The Lions exhibited significant progress in this game, delivering some of the finest rugby this season. They were unfortunate not to secure a more substantial lead in the first half. While the second half witnessed a momentary lapse, leading to Brighton’s resurgence, it ultimately evolved into a back-and-forth battle between the two sides. Overall, the Lions deserved to emerge victorious. The choice to kick for points rather than the corner in certain instances remains a point of contemplation. Despite the draw and Horsham’s victory, the Lions find themselves at the foot of the table, albeit with a narrow points difference. The Lions continue to show improvement week by week, with standout performances from Stanley Vincent and Antony Fitch. Defensive aspects and sustained focus for the full 80 minutes are areas that still require refinement. Nevertheless, it was an exceptional performance that should have secured a bonus-point win.