Lions Vets show Ath how it's done!

It was a pleasure to see so many old boys turn up to represent Lions vets , there were possibly around 350 1st team appearances amongst a hand full of lads.

The game kicked off and there was plenty of endeavour with Lions playing the game more like 7s players in their prime rather than 35 years plus!! Lions went in to an early lead with some great running rugby, rolling back the years. From a solid central scum the ball was moved wide through two pairs of hands and they scored in the corner. Lions vets continued in this form with some strong carries by the forwards, placing holes in the Athletic defence, but chasing the next score a few mistakes crept in! This can be forgiven due to the average age being 43!

Lions then scored again to go in to a 14 point lead, but this was short lived as “the old boys“ gave away numerous penalty’s to try and slow Athletic's young backs down, but sadly this brought the score back to 14-12. There was one final score before half time, a few carries down the middle and the Ath defence spread wide and Gaz Jones broke through like water through a sieve. He will claim it was a 40 meter break, however it was more 4 meters but let’s let him have his glory.

Half-time and the changes were made with some lads desperate to come off for oxygen, some for a fag and some a pint!!

Athletics young backs had their tails lifted and scored a few try’s in quick succession due to fresh legs, old age and frankly being quicker than us, the score then stood at 14-24, but the Old boys were not done. Spud then realised that if he caught the ball and ran forward it was like a knife through butter ………….. So he did, a couple of smart lines and Lions were soon back in front 28–24. There was one last try for Lions, which again came from a scrum and the ball was moved wide with good hands, lots of pace and a great finish which sealed the game at 35 – 29.

It was very competitive throughout and some good signs with the Vets cup coming up.

As seen through the eyes of Mr Jamie Tyres.