arl By Helen Thompson

Published at 15:43, Wednesday, 28 July 2010

WATH Brow forward Kevin Thompson helped the Great Britain Community Lions make a winning start to their tour of South Africa at the weekend.

The Lions recorded a 42-22 victory over South Africa A, with Thompson, the lone Cumbrian in the squad, starting the game in the second-row.

The Lions took just two minutes to open their account as loose-forward Gary Middlehurst supported a break from Tony Baker to cross and he was followed over by Joe Budd just moments later with Baker again the provider.

On 15 minutes, a break from Paul Pendlebury was well backed up by winger Chris Walker who raced in from 40 metres out.

However, the hosts were not to be outdone and responded with their opening try courtesy of Dean Kramer.

Despite Gavin Corfield hitting back with a four pointer Lions coach Jimmy Taylor will have been disappointed with the way his side finished the half.

With time running out South Africa crossed the whitewash for a second time following a lack of concentration in the Great Britain defence which meant the sides went in at the break at 20-10.

The second period saw the sides trade scores again as Luca Pruis went over to reduce the deficit before Matty Bower responded, although when home winger Wayne Burger scrambled over the game was again back in the balance.

However, a strong last quarter from Great Britain proved to be the difference as an Anthony Atherton brace and a second from Budd saw them run out 42-22 winners.

The Lions were due to play their second game against South African Universities & Colleges last night in Pretoria.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk