RUGBY: A bad day at the office as Lions and Borough both crash

It was a miserable afternoon (February 13) for Peterborough rugby with both the Lions and Borough suffering big losses in the English Clubs Championship.
Vernon Horne scores the Lions first try at Sandbach. Picture: Mick SutterbyVernon Horne scores the Lions first try at Sandbach. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Vernon Horne scores the Lions first try at Sandbach. Picture: Mick Sutterby

The Lions lost for the second weekend running in National League Division Three as they crashed 38-10 at Sandbach while Borough suffered a fifth defeat on the trot in Midlands Division Two East (South) when going down 22-0 at Oakham.

The Lions players were given the week off from training by head coach Darren Fox - something which is unlikely to happen again after today’s showing.

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They did okay in the first half and trailed just 7-5 at the turnaround with Vernon Horne crossing for their try.

Lions full-back Harry Winch is tackled. Picture: Mick SutterbyLions full-back Harry Winch is tackled. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Lions full-back Harry Winch is tackled. Picture: Mick Sutterby

But they lost their way in the second period allowing Sandbach to canter to victory to complete the double over the Bretton boys. It was 14-10 to the Crewe club in the Lions’ den in October.

Will Carrington crossed for the Lions second-half try.

Sandbach were fourth from bottom in the table going into today’s game and the result was a surprise.

It certainly shocked the Lions chairman Andy Moore, who is in Italy for tomorrow’s England game.

Lions full-back Harry Winch is tackled. Picture: Mick SutterbyLions full-back Harry Winch is tackled. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Lions full-back Harry Winch is tackled. Picture: Mick Sutterby
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Speaking from a bar in Rome he said: “I can’t believe it. I’m shellshocked. It’s certainly put a dampener on my weekend.”

Weak tackling was the root case of Borough’s demise.

They gifted the Leicestershire side three tries in the first half through poor defence and trailed 15-0 at the break.

In the second half they applied plenty of pressure but just couldn’t get the ball over the line. Oakham scored a fourth try - a breakaway effort from deep - towards the end.

For Borough Stefan Gallucci showed up well on the wing while Adam Whyles and Dewi Pearce were the best performers up front.