Peterborough Lions can rescue pride from a tough campaign

Peterborough Lions can find joy from a tough season by lifting the East Midlands Cup.
By Alan Swann
Published 13th Mar 2020, 09:00 BST
Matthew Worrall-Clare in possession for Peterborough Lions in their game against Sheffield. Photo: Mick SutterbyMatthew Worrall-Clare in possession for Peterborough Lions in their game against Sheffield. Photo: Mick Sutterby
Matthew Worrall-Clare in possession for Peterborough Lions in their game against Sheffield. Photo: Mick Sutterby

The city side have been relegated from the Midlands Premier Division, but their season is far from over as they host a cup semi-final against London Premier Division side Bedford Athletic at Bretton Park tomorrow (March 14, 2.30pm).

Lions, who battled hard in a 44-10 league defeat against second-placed Sheffield in Bretton last weekend, won’t start as favourites to beat Bedford, but they fancy their chances of victory.

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They also believe they can make a return to National League rugby in the future despite back-to-back relegations. Negotiations with some top players have already begun.

An offload from Borough in their game against Lutterworth. Photo: David Lowndes.An offload from Borough in their game against Lutterworth. Photo: David Lowndes.
An offload from Borough in their game against Lutterworth. Photo: David Lowndes.

Lions chief Andy Moore said: “We are at home to Bedford which will give us a slight advantage, but they will still be slight favourites.

“And they will be sensing blood, just like our quarter-final opponents Peterborough, but we overcome them in a close encounter at Fengate.

“We are coming to the end of a hard, testing season with this competition our only light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

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“But on a much brighter note we have been building a core body of players for next season and we are talking to some experienced National League players who have contacted us with the view of getting us back into the Midlands Premier Division and beyond.

“The game tomorrow will be hotly contested as we believe we shall be at full strength for the first time this season. Everyone is certainly up for it.

“And we certainly have the individual skills to pull off a win.

“Our discipline and fitness will be the key factors.”

Eduard Bruwer and Naki Veamatahau scored Lions’ tries against Sheffield.

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Lions have now lost 19 of their 20 Premier Division matches, but they have been far more competitive in the second half of the season.

*Peterborough RUFC failed in their bid to claim three Midlands Division One East wins in a row.

They went down 15-10 in a tough encounter with Lutterworth at Fengate on Saturday (March 7).

Lance Charity scored Borough’s try with Rob Jacobs kicking the rest of the points. Borough are without a fixture this weekend.

Borough are without a fixture this weekend.

Related topics:Peterborough LionsBedfordSheffieldLondonFengateNational League

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