Peterborough Lions pip Peterborough RUFC in a ‘great advert for local rugby’

Lions fought back from an early 17-0 deficit to win 28-27 thanks to tries from inspirational number eight Roy Lolesio (2), Asher Veamatahau and Franco Peticaro.

Even four yellow cards couldn’t halt the Lions, who play in a division higher than Borough, in a game watched by hundreds of spectators.

“The game didn’t disappoint the fans,” Moore stated. “On reflection it was a great advert for local rugby and the atmosphere was electric all day. Borough had their chances, but a more clinical, wiser Lions team took the honours from them.”

Lions started slowly with Borough, encouraged by the ‘it’s now or never challenge’ Moore had thrown down before the game went into a 17-0 lead after 30 minutes however, five minutes before half time Lions finally woke up with fullback Weir Filiktonga making a courageous break before off-loading to centre Veamatahau to run in under the posts. It was still 17-7 to Borough at half-time.

Lions took control in the second-half despite regular visits to the sin bin. A Borough penalty for 20-7 didn’t bother them and scrum-half Franco Peticaro promptly stole the ball from a scrum and duly planted the ball under the posts for 20-14. Minutes later later ran a 20m charge culminating in another plant under Boro’s posts for the first Lions lead of the match. However, Boro regained slight momentum to score and regain the lead 27-21.

But it was not to be Boro’s day as Lions put them on the back foot with Lolesio claiming his second try of the game to seal victory five minutes from time, although they had to also sweat another 10 minutes of added time.

“We beat ourselves really,” said Borough coach Phil Powell. “But we played well against a team with some outstanding individual players.”

Zak McClure, Jonny Beale and Mooki Tshepo Otto scored tries for Borough.

Lions now take on Bedford Athletic in the semi-finals.