Borough take title, Lions are still in the running

Borough are already over the line while the Lions and Oundle are coming up on the rails as the English Clubs Championship title races enter the final furlong.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Mar 2017, 14:41 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 20:21 BST
Harry Roe runs in a try for Borough against Belgrave. Picture: Kevin GoodacreHarry Roe runs in a try for Borough against Belgrave. Picture: Kevin Goodacre
Harry Roe runs in a try for Borough against Belgrave. Picture: Kevin Goodacre

Borough, unbeaten since the first Saturday of the season back in September, won the Midlands Division Two East (South) title in style in front of their own supporters at Fengate on Saturday.

They beat Belgrave 60-5, running in 10 terrific team tries to secure their promotion back to Midlands Division One - a level they were last at in the 2010-2011 season.

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Sizzling centre Tom Williams and substitute winger Tom Stuffins both crossed for a pair of tries.

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Chris Sansby touches down for Borough against Belgrave. Picture: Kevin GoodacreChris Sansby touches down for Borough against Belgrave. Picture: Kevin Goodacre
Chris Sansby touches down for Borough against Belgrave. Picture: Kevin Goodacre

Oundle remain in the hunt to finish runners-up behind Borough and clinch a promotion play-off place after beating Luton 21-12.

It was win or bust for the Lions when they entertained Birmingham on Saturday with the losers certain to drop out of the National League Division Three title race.

Darren Fox’s side were under the cosh for long spells but outstanding defence - most notably by Fox himself - saw them hold out for a 23-10 win.

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Adrian Enwright, Will Carrington and Tom Aviss were the try-scorers with fly-half Nico Defeo receiving the man-of-the-match award from generous sponsor Dave Brown, the former Bretton Rugby Club stalwart.

Tom Aviss in action for the Lions against Birmingham. Picture: Mick SutterbyTom Aviss in action for the Lions against Birmingham. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Tom Aviss in action for the Lions against Birmingham. Picture: Mick Sutterby

The win - Lions’ 10th on the trot - keeps them in the title hunt. They are six points behind leaders Broad Street, who they face at Bretton on April 8, and need to win their last three games to remain in contention starting with Bridgnorth away on Saturday.

And that won’t be an easy task. The Shropshire side have won their last three games, including a 21-8 success against Nuneaton. They were only just pipped 26-20 by the Lions at Bretton in November.

The Lions could be without star man Fox, who faces a late fitness test on a dead leg, but they are hoping to have a new number eight on board - a 24 year-old Tongan from Ampthill.

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Borough meanwhile are away at Luton on Saturday and although it’s a case of job already done, there will be no let-up by Lee Adamson’s side.

Nico Defeo on the attack for the Lions against Birmingham. Picture: Mick SutterbyNico Defeo on the attack for the Lions against Birmingham. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Nico Defeo on the attack for the Lions against Birmingham. Picture: Mick Sutterby

The head coach said: “We will certainly not be taking our foot off the gas. The pressure is now off the squad, but in many respects that could play into our hands as we like to play an open, attacking style of rugby which when we are relaxed can make us more dangerous opponents.”

Club vice-chairman Archie Bennett added: “Last Saturday was a magnificent day for us in front of a large crowd and the boys showed once again what an exciting brand of rugby they are capable of producing.

“We still have lots to play for and the team are determined not to let the standards they have set drop over the coming weeks .”

Related topics:Oundle