Deal and Betteshanger 2nds, hampered by injuries during the game, fell to defeat against Cranbrook in Division 3 of the Shepherd Neame Invicta League on Saturday.

Early signs had indicated that the sides were evenly matched and for much of the first half the Lions’ forwards managed to hold their own but as a unit they lacked the cohesion that was necessary to make attacking progress.

The home side’s cause was disrupted by injuries to Kevin Spencer, Sam Cullis and Matt Michael, who were forced to leave the field.

Too often the Lions’ backs were guilty of taking the ball without forward momentum, which enabled the young and strong Cranbrook defence to stifle attacks.

In contrast, the Cranbrook backs ran well and started to take try-scoring chances.

In the second half, the Lions’ forwards made some good progress in parts but too often the ball carrier was not well enough supported.

Stuart Loder crashed over for a Lions try out wide but it came too late to influence the outcome.

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