Match Report
The Southend Sea Lions took to Pitch One on the 26th April, 2025 for a historic first ever competitive inclusive rugby match at SRFC.
The Colchester Kings won the toss and kicked off to a nervous Sea Lions side (which had 7 players playing their first ever match) and after some quick hands saw Colchester soon get on the board taking a 7 point lead in the opening minutes. Both Teams battled it out across the pitch with the ball changing hands many times saw The Kings cross the line for a second time in 16 min. 0-14. The Seal Lions we under the cosh but after this initial set back they rallied around and attacked with ferocity and desire scoring their first ever try following a blind side break from the scrum and some deft passing saw scrum half Ellis sprint for 30m to score. 5-14
This first try seemed to lift the Sea Lions into overdrive, and they came out firing from the kick off. Spending long periods in The Kings half and great work rate by the forwards esp. Trevor , Ali, Connor, Aaron and Daryl provided a platform for Captain Sean to break through and with support from his backs put Jamie away for an easy second try, which he converted.
Half time 12 – 14.
The second half saw the Sea Lions use their Second Raft of players take the game to the Kings with battle after battle across the pitch with both Teams almost scoring on numerous occasions but just failing at the last moment. The Sea Lions defence and resilience was outstanding considering the lack of experience on the pitch but in the closing stages of the game, The Kings managed to break the Sea Lions defence one last time claiming the final points of the day and victory.
The final score was 12-19 to The Kings but the winner was inclusive rugby in Essex and whichever pubs about 40 players went onto until the early hours.
Many players stood out for their drive and commitment today, Trevor, Aaron, Ellis, Sean and Jamie all put in big performances, but the FOTM was awarded to Daryl who after an early injury saw him return in his first ever match putting in an impressive performance in attack and give a titanic defence. The BOTM went to Louis, who again in his first ever match saw him involved in many skilled attacks and last ditch try saving tackles.
Captain Sean commented that it was incredible to see so many friends, family, members, Club Executive, President and Southend Saxons players/coaches come out and watch and to have Josh (the Club DoR) drop in and congratulate the squad demonstrated a real one club philosophy, thank you all and see you next time !
The Sea Lions would like to thank their sponsors for their new kit that arrived just intime for this match : Brook Construction, Anopia Digital, Pogona Insurance, Butcher and Blue, Shoebury Tyre, Steer Group, PA Design plus their coaching Team of Alan Harvey, Paul Bach, Paul Aldridge and Tabs Edwards plus of course SRFC and the Colchester Kings for being our first opponents.
We continue to train on Tuesdays from 7p.m. so please come and join us, no experience necessary.
