Dhekelia Lions beaten by Tigers
23rd February 2008
by Ron James

Dhekelia Lions 8   Paphos Tigers 10

Dhekelia Lions hosted Paphos Tigers on Saturday with both sides in contention to go top of the league, and a tight game was expected. Within one minute Dhekelia gave away a penalty but Marcus Holden was just wide with the difficult kick. Both sides were slow to settle in when three minutes later the Tigers gave away a penalty in front of the posts, the Lions took advantage with a kick for 3 points.

The Tigers were first to get into their rhythm and began to dominate and were soon rewarded with a try in the corner by Kuruyawa from a quick penalty with the ball moving accurately along the backs, Holden converted giving the Tigers a 7-3 lead. The Tigers continued to keep the upper hand and a great kick by fly half Des White saw the Tigers with a lineout on the Lions line. The Lions lifted their game, won the lineout and now started to dominate resulting ten minutes later with a strike against the head in a scrum and their No 10 running in for a try, the conversion missed but the Lions now had slender 8-7  lead.

The Lions continued to keep up the pressure but great Tigers defence, especially by Chris Thoma and George Agathocleous, kept the them at bay to the half time whistle.

The Tigers started the second half with a flourish and a great chip ahead by White saw the Tigers over the Lions line but good defence saw the ball kicked to touch. The Tigers were soon back up towards the Lions line and camped there for ten minutes but could find no way through the Lions defence but eventually won a penalty in front of the posts. Captain Dimitri Maratheftis opted for a quick tap and Kuruyawa was very nearly over in the corner.

Further Tigers pressure resulted in another penalty in front of the posts five minutes later, this time Maratheftis opted for the kick and Holden duly obliged with 3 points. The Tigers forwards kept up the pressure to the end but still not able to get through the defence and finally running out 10-8 winners.