MATCH REPORT: The Lions are charging towards the play-offs

There was another great victory to celebrate for Peterborough Lions this afternoon (March 24) as they kept their brilliant run going in the English Clubs Championship.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2018, 16:32 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2018, 17:40 BST
Lions scrum-half Tom Dougherty roars with delight on the final whistle at Sandbach. Picture: Mick SutterbyLions scrum-half Tom Dougherty roars with delight on the final whistle at Sandbach. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Lions scrum-half Tom Dougherty roars with delight on the final whistle at Sandbach. Picture: Mick Sutterby

They made it 11 wins on the bounce up in Cheshire as they fought back from 17-0 down to beat Sandbach 34-24 and consolidate second poisition in the Midlands Premiership table to remain firmly on course for the promotion play-off spot.

It was far from plain sailing for Vili Ma’asi’s side though as they suffered the shock of going 17-0 down within the first five minutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We were caught cold. They came at us from the start and nicked a couple of tries - one an interception - and all of a sudden we were up against it,” said Lions chairman Andy Moore.

Tom Gulland runs in for his first Lions try. Picture: Mick SutterbyTom Gulland runs in for his first Lions try. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Tom Gulland runs in for his first Lions try. Picture: Mick Sutterby

“But the lads deserve great credit for the way they fought back. We stuck to the gameplan of running the ball wide and it’s great rugby. Teams just can’t cope with it.

“We’re taking nothing for granted. There are still three tough games to go - one a real toughie at home to Birmingham - but we’re beginning to fancy our chances. It could be our year.”

After conceding those two early tries plus a penalty, the Lions first got on the scoresheet in the 10th minute when centre Rory White blasted in for a try converted by Nico Defeo.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Vaha Halaifanua then smashed his way over on 18 minutes to reduce the deficit to 17-12 and on the half-hour mark it was the Lions leading after Tom Gulland went on a lovely run before touching down for Defeo to convert.

Tom Gulland is on his way to the try-line again. Picture: Mick SutterbyTom Gulland is on his way to the try-line again. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Tom Gulland is on his way to the try-line again. Picture: Mick Sutterby

Sandbach came back fighting and scored their third converted try just before the break to lead 24-19 at the turaround.

The Lions were soon back on level terms though. Ten minutes into the second half and after a long spell of pressure on the Sandbach line, winger Ashley Hill ran in the fourth Lions touchdown to secure the bonus point and make it 24-24.

Five minutes later and Hill outpaced the Sandbach defence from 20 metres out to add his second try and Lions fifth and then towards the end Gulland scored a beauty to wrap things up. He set off on a darting run from 30 metres out and smartly stepped inside three defenders at the end of it to crown a fine individual display.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lions’ closest rivals Newport were 37-28 winners at Bridgnorth and they are seven points behind the Lions with a game in hand.

Vaha Halaifanua scores the Lions second try. Picture: Mick SutterbyVaha Halaifanua scores the Lions second try. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Vaha Halaifanua scores the Lions second try. Picture: Mick Sutterby

In Midlands Division One there was a crushing defeat for Borough at title-chasing Syston. They were hammered 84-5 which was their heaviest defeat of the season and their seventh consecutive loss.

They remain sixth in the table while Syston are second, a point behind Bedford Athletic.

Related topics:Peterborough Lions