NATO LIONS TAKE PRIDE IN SECOND WIN AGAINST CUS NAPOLI: 24-12!
Carney Park, 11th December 2005 – Cold, wet, windy: perfect rugby conditions for an intense and sometimes heated match between the NATO Lions and local rivals CUS Napoli. CUS Napoli opened the match with their number 9 racing for a try within five minutes of the first whistle. Despite this early set-back the Lions showed great character by promptly responding with a try of their own by no. 7 Ryan Turnhill, smartly converted by Lions' kicker Martin John. Craig “Bugsy” Moran set about increasing the Lions' lead with a powerful run almost the length of the pitch, manoeuvring around the opposition to score a spectacular try, which meant that at half time the NATO Lions led 12-7. The second half was memorable for a number of reasons, with the match getting more intense with each play as both teams gave their all and a change of referee from Andrew Ebbens to a local referee providing a different perspective. CUS Napoli were again quick off the mark at the start of the second half with an unconverted try to tie the score sheets, but the roar of the NATO Lions could not be silenced as they dug deep to recapture the lead, and following incredible effort from the whole team, with the majority of play taking place in the CUS Napoli half, Lions captain, Ryan Turnhill and the irrepressible David Salisbury both scored tries. Martin John again converted to bring the score to 24-12 and put the result beyond doubt. With CUS Napoli having no response to the Lions' dominance, tempers boiled over as the final whistle blew, but camaraderie was soon restored between the two teams over a post-match hot dog and beer. The NATO Lions play their final match of 2005 against Portici at Carney Park on Sunday 18th Dec, kicking off at 1100. All supporters are welcome to attend the match and the social function afterwards. For more information you can visit the NATO Lions website at http://www.uknsunaples.com/SPORTRUGBY.htm or contact the NATO Lion's Coach Marco Flumene at flumeneme@efamed.navfac.navy.mil or Andrew Ebbens (0817212228) or email aebbens@afsouth.nato.int , alternatively just turn up for training at 1800 on Wednesdays at Carney Park. By Amanda Sutcliffe (NATO Lion's Sports Correspondent)