Same again Lions, says Ellis

RUGBY Lions travel to National Division Three South stragglers Havant tomorrow on the back of a performance described by director of rugby Mark Ellis as their best in a year. But after the 18-18 draw which knocked Ealing off the top of the table and ended a run of three league defeats, Ellis also acknowledges that it will count for little if Lions now come unstuck against a side without a win

this season from seven league games.

"Last week was probably the first time the team has performed anywhere near their capabilities for probably getting on 12 months," said Ellis.

"The big challenge now is to replicate that form and go down to Havant and get a win. From what I hear they are a club in complete turmoil, but we can't afford to go with the attitude that it will be easy because I'm sure it won't be that."

Added Ellis: "In the last two or three weeks we have done a lot of work on rebuilding team spirit, getting the players to be friends with each other and proud to pull on the Rugby Lions jersey, and it all came out on Saturday.

"Ealing struggled to come to terms with the fact that we matched their physicality and we controlled the second half to the extent that nobody would have grumbled if we had won the game.

"Some of the younger lads stood up to be counted and, as the senior players, Shaun Brady and Toby Handley were outstanding."

Lions are forced to make one change, bringing in Michael Rust on the wing for Craig Moir who under-went surgery on a ruptured bicep on Wednesday.

The Scotland international has probably made his last appearance for Lions as he is moving to Wales for family reasons in mid-November.

Rugby Lions: Hawken; Harris, Reed, Goode, Rust; Owens, Handley; Tyers, Price, Hadfield, Cheney, Braband, Riding, Nash, Brady. Reps: Warner, Parker, Greenbury, Overton, Carney.