Lions overcome adverse weather conditions to floor Section Paloise in Challenge Cup

The Lions notched their first EPCR Challenge Cup victory of the season after beating French side Section Paloise (Pau) 43-35 at a wet Ellis Park on Saturday evening.

The match was delayed for an extended period due to thunder - and the players also had to leave the field for a few minutes during the second half - as the Johannesburg thunderstorm wreaked havoc.

But the hosts, who lost 30-14 away to Ospreys in their tournament-opener last weekend, were red-hot when they got the chance to play.

The Lions ran in five tries and also received a penalty try in a high-octane encounter.

Pau, who were hampered by second half yellow cards to Gregoire Arfeuil and Lekima Tagitagivalu, also played their part and scored four tries to leave with a bonus point.

Scorers:

Lions 43 (19)

Tries: Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, PJ Botha, Juan Schoeman, Penalty Try, Ruben Schoeman

Conversions: Kade Wolhuter (4)

Penalty: Wolhuter

Section Paloise 35 (16)

Tries: Dan Jooste, Axel Desperes, Romain Ruffenach, Josselin Bouhier

Conversions: Desperes (3)

Penalties: Desperes (3)

???????? ???????? | Emirates Lions 43 – 35 Section Paloise

Lions faithful, thank you for sticking it out with us through the rain. This was your WIN.#ForOurCity
#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride?? pic.twitter.com/4Na6FuRGvn