Peterborough RUFC youngsters are through to a National Cup quarter-final, washout for Borough’s men, wipeout for Peterborough Lions

They reached the Midlands Final - which doubles as a National quarter-final - for the second year running on Sunday (March 1), but it was hard work battling against Storm Jorge, a significant slope and home advantage for their fiercest rivals, Old Northamptonians.

In the end they scraped a narrow 12-10 victory and coach Ade James was full of praise for his side.

James said. “The whole squad was outstanding, with special recognition to all the forwards for their aggression and determination. This really was a well-deserved win.”

Old Northamptonians took the lead with a breakaway try, but Borough winger Livvy Buchanan crossed to make it 5-5 at the break.

Playing uphill and against the wind after half-time was always going to be a big ask, but the Borough girls continued to batter the opposition, and make significant ground, close to breakdowns.

Midway through the half, it was the forwards’ aggression that allowed Bella Markham to pick and go from five metres out to score Borough’s second try, which was converted by Liberty Ashdown.

ONs scored a late try, but failed to land the conversion leaving Borough to tackle Worcester in the Midlands Final in Leicester on March 15.

* Peterborough RUFC’s men saw their Midlands Division One East game at Derby washed out last weekend.

They will now try and complete a hat-trick of wins against Lutterworth at Fengate on Saturday (2.15pm).

Lutterworth gained an excellent 12-12 draw at second-placed Oundle last weekend.

* It was a familiar story for Peterborough Lions in the Midlands Premier Division last Saturday.

They went down to an 18th defeat in 19 league games, 32-0 at Sanbach.

That record is unlikely to improve this Saturday as Lions host second-placed Sheffield.