Whisper this quietly because there’s a lot of the season and many difficult games left, but the Lions are playing better now than at any time since September. The squad for the game at Walsall was perhaps the strongest squad ever assembled and they proved how difficult the Lions are to beat right now. Another bonus point win and the third consecutive game without conceding a try is testament to the current excellence of the Lions.

Once the festive season was over this game was the first of what was seen as the three most difficult for the Lions in defending the lead at the top of the table. Camp Hill and Leek are to come, both at home, but Walsall, having drawn at Stourton before Christmas, were the first big test.

How the away team rose to it. Early pressure from the home side was resisted and the Lions struck after 4 minutes; a “Brookes twins” affair, with centre Cass breaking through just outside the 22 and an ever-willing Fred coming up on the inside to score under the posts. This reply to Walsall’s earlier penalty was emphatic, compounded by Owen Williams’ conversion for 7-3. A further 10 minutes gone and the Lions were already 10-3 up, Williams’ first penalty converted after offside at the ruck. Back came Walsall with a penalty of their own to be just 4 points behind, after Cass Brookes was somewhat harshly sin-binned for jumping up to try and charge down a kick from the Walsall 10, who had to leave the field.

There followed an exchange of yellow cards, with the Walsall outside centre off for up-ending Tildesley and Scotty Langdon for allegedly tacking Walsall player in the air. No matter, this didn’t impede the flow of the Lions’ effort and on 30 minutes and series of drives left a backs move going right where George Tildesley, having drifted from the left wing, place a delicate chip over the remaining defence for Owen Williams to touch down near the corner. The score was 15-6 at half-time, with little threat to the Lions’ line.

The second half opened with a Williams penalty, followed shortly after by a Walsall reply. However, this game saw none of the critical Lions’ failings this season of relaxing too much when comfortably ahead and the team drove forward with real purpose, forcing the home side on to the back foot for most of the remainder of the half.

After 20 minutes a series of efforts drove Walsall back to their line, where an attempt by the full-back to kick clear was charged down by Rich Pennock, who had the speed and presence of mind to follow up and score under the posts. The resulting Williams conversion pretty much left this at game over, with the Lions 25-9 ahead.

The remainder of the game revolved around Walsall seeking some small compensation for their loss and around the Lions going for the 4th try. A few pressure attacks by the home side was more than matched by the Lions, with one period close to the end where the Lions camped out in the home 22 and almost scoring three times from catch and drives at the lineout. Eventually, after another series of near-misses, a kick from defence led to another free-flowing attack which ended with Alex Jones, our lock who thinks he’s a 10, producing a grubber kick of sorts for Owen Williams to score wide out on the right. Cue jubilation from the Stour fans at a scoreline, 30-9, that few would have envisaged at the start.

This win is a big statement of intent and a reminder to all, if reminder was needed, that the Lions are top on merit and proving difficult to dislodge. Tough games remain, on top of those already mentioned – Kidderminster away is always difficult and improving Tamworth at home and Newcastle away need careful thought. However, this is already the best season in the Lions’ history and this win probably amongst the best recorded. To take apart Walsall in the way we did, a club that were playing Midlands 1 last season and who were playing Stourbridge 1sts not so long ago is a significant feat and should rightly remain long in the memory.

JON DEWS

Pictures courtesy of Sian Davies