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The Lions opened their autumn rugby season with a come-from-behind victory over the Warriors at the Meridian Field.

The Warriors started the match stronger and refused to give up possession as they sought to weaken the Lions defence. After initial probes, Joshua Swann broke through the Lions’ defensive line only to be stopped short by Clayon Bennett.

Gino Agenor continued to take the game to the Lions, and after sucking in three defenders he threw a long pass to Rayjon Valentine who dived over for the Warriors first try.

The Warriors continued to play with most of the possession before L.J. Outten snaffled a loose ball and rounded Franco Mompremier to level the match.

After halftime, possession was reversed with the Lions refusing to give up the ball. Vindy Missick made a dash for the line and offloaded to L.J. Outten who sailed in to give the Lions a 2-1 lead.

The Lions refused to reduce the pressure, and Raj Ingham was soon across the line to double the Lions lead. Outten scored at the final play to confirm his hat trick and the Lions’ victory.

In the second match of the morning, the Storm proved too much for the Bears in a strong defensive matchup. Captain Luis Turbyfield gave the Storm a lead they would not give up after five minutes when he crossed following a charging run by Cadashio Williams.

Miguel Malcolm then doubled the lead despite a last ditch effort by Eddeson Alexander to prevent the try. The Bears continued to put pressure on the Storm, but their late effort left them lacking in defence, and at the death Turbyfield picked up a loose ball and returned it for a 3-0 victory.

Junior Boys Rugby continues Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Meridian Field at 10 am. New players are welcome, no experience necessary. Contact 331-0416 for more details.

Junior Girls rugby continued last Saturday with warm up routines, and the girls went straight into their drill sessions. The focus of the morning was to improve passing and catching skills with the oval ball and becoming more familiar with the rules of rugby.

The girls had an amazing introduction to the game with two touch teams. Amazing talent and speed on the pitch from Senga Brubaker, Cierra Edross and Ciara Dempsey, while great defence was shown by Laura Shaw, Stefanie Watson and Niamh Dempsey.

TCI Rugby Football Union President Keith Burant for coached the youngsters with help from parent volunteers Graham Shaw and Sandra Shaw, and all three joined the teams out on the pitch and played the game. The girls were certainly put through their paces and impressed the parents watching at how quickly they have picked up the game.

Junior Girls rugby will continue each Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Meridian Field at the Village Grace Bay. New players are encouraged to take part, and no experience is necessary.

Transport to and from the pitch for girls will be provided with pick up points in Five Cays, Blue Hills and Leeward. For more information, call Sandra Shaw at 331 3891.