Rugby league returned to the city with a 70-point bang at 'Fortress Fengate'
Rugby League returned to Peterborough with a bang on Saturday.
It’s been over 30 years since the city had a rugby league team, but that all changed when the Deeping Ducks relocated to Second Drove, Fengate – the home of Peterborough Rugby Union Club – and re-branded to Peterborough Rugby League club.
And a new era started in stunning fashion with a 70-30 home win against North Midlands Knights on the opening day of the Midlands First Division season.
The city side started the match with a string of strong carries which showcased the strength of their forwards. Tries quickly arrived from from number 8 Logan Nicholson and second row Henry Hobson.
But the Knights showed they weren’t going to be a pushover, responding with two quick tries of their own.
Hooker Ciaran Thompson showed pace from the mark to put the hosts back in front and then a flurry of scores from Chris Sykes (2), Ciaran Thompson, Dylan Evans and Paddy Berryman gave Peterborough a 40-12 half-time lead.
Evans went on to complete a hat-trick of tries with Zak Bamford crossing twice in the second-half. Matty Baker claimed the final try, while Thompson added nine conversions. Evans and Sykes are also Peterborough rugby union stars.
Peterborough captain Luke Whitby said: “On behalf of the team I would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported us to get us to this point.The game was a good marker for where we are as a squad, with plenty of players still to return to the side. Most importantly all enjoyed the game - summer rugby is back!”
Coach Joe Raddings was full of praise for the squad. He added: “I’m immensely proud of that performance for our first match. With no less than 8 debutants we managed to pull off a dominant win! Hopefully we can use this as a platform to build into a successful season”
Peterborough will look to continue their winning start when they host Leamington Royals at Fortress Fengate on Saturday (May 16).