Jalandhar, Sep 19 (IANS): Vancouver Lions narrowly defeated Royal Kings USA 54-51 in the Wave World Kabaddi League (WKL) here Friday.

Vancouver Lions, who were tied at the end of first quarter and then pulled away to a handy lead by the end of third, had to survive a late scare as Royal Kings came back strongly in the closing stages.

Coming into this match, Royal Kings had just one win from seven games and Vancouver Lions had two from six and were the bottom teams in the table.

The opening quarter saw a tooth and nail battle with the score tied 13-13.

There was little to separate the two teams but Vancouver managed to move ahead slightly with the score 27-25 in their favour.

Vancouver Lions' raiders came into their their own in the third quarter giving the Canadian outfit a handy 43-35 lead.

Royal Kings fought hard in the closing stages but left it a little too late giving their opponents a three-point win.

Vancouver Lions now have six points from six games while Royal Kings lie at the bottom with two points from eight matches.

Khalsa Warriors, who are the only unbeaten team in the Wave WKL so far lead the standings with 13 points from six wins and one tie.