Narrow loss for Fighting Lions 2ND Fifteen

First Half
Southern Lions played against the breeze in the first half and a deep kick-off by Arks put Lions on the back foot immediately. Arks strung together some good forward possession play that was followed by strong running by the backs resulting in an early try for the visitors. The conversion was successful 0-7 Arks.
Lions upped their game and fought their way towards the Arks line. A defending infringement earned a Lions penalty under the Arks post, converted masterfully by Alan Murray closing the gap to 3-7 (Yeang replaced Murray).
Lions seemed to ease off a little and once again Arks put them under pressure from the kick-off, aided by the strong breeze. Soon after, Arks scored near the posts after some nice interchanges. The conversion was successful 3-14 Arks. (Nell replaced Henriques, Knee).
Lions captain J Caulfield revved up his men for a big push coming into half-time. The Lions forwards and backs drove their way towards the Arks line, backs and forwards swapping positions in play reminiscent of the great Irish 1982 Triple Crown team. Andrew Hunt finished off a flowing move in the right corner. The conversion was unsuccessful 8-14.
Half-time
(Gorman replaced Chapman, Cullen replaced Coffey)
With the strong breeze, Lions attacked from the beginning making their way into the Arks 22. Strong defence by Arks repelled the Lions and they managed to boot clear. Arks worked their way into Lions danger territory and sneaked in for the first try of the second half. The conversion was successful 8-21 Arks.
Lions weren’t about to give up and they manfully attacked the Arks defensive line from the restart. Lions spent the remainder of the game in the Arks 22. A second Lions penalty, under the Arks post was converted by Ray Nell closing the gap to 11-21.
Time was running out for the home team, but strong play pushed them forward. The Lions created a glimmer of a chance for the Lions left wing Little John Schulberg. Bouncing out of tackles, handing off defenders, twisting and pirouetting like Nureyev he danced his way over from 2m out. The conversion was unsuccessful to leave Lions trailing 16-21.
(Chapman replaced Desai, Finlay replaced Parker, John replaced Yeang)
Lions fought hard for the last 10mins, charging forward at every opportunity but Arks defended well. Lions went close several times but couldn’t make the vital breakthrough and the final whistle blew. Final Score: Southern Lions 16 Arks 21
Player of the Day: Jason Levitan.

Team: 1 – Chapman, C (Wombat) 2 – Nelson T (Nelli) 3- Desai D (Desire) 4 – Parker D (Spider) 5 – Coffey T 6 – Beets Q 7 – Hunt A 8 – Caulfield J (Captain) 9 – Levitan J 10 – Murray A (Johnny Wilkinson) 11 – Hanson M 12 – Henriques A (Anto) 13 – McDuffus S (Diesel) 14 – Schulberg J (Wallaby caught in Headlights) 15 – Hutton D Coach – Finlay J Manager – O’Shea R
On-Field Replacements: Nell R, Gorman A, Cullen H, Finlay T, Yeang H, John R