It was a demolition derby as Peterborough RUFC hit Stamford with seven unanswered second-half tries

Borough really turned the screw in the second-half as they ran in seven unanswered tries to complete an emphatic 68-21 victory.

It was a sixth win in a row for the city side who are third in the table ahead of a trip to Oadby Wyggstonians next Saturday (November 21).

The worrying thing for the rest of the division is there is still room for improvement for a team galvanised by director of rugby Pete Kolakowski, head coach Sam Crooks and their back-up staff.

Kolakowski said: "I’ll be the first to admit our opening 40 minutes were nowhere near the standards we expect. We were passive defensively, allowed Stamford far too much time and space, and paid the price as they crossed three times late in the half to bring the scores level at 21-21 at the break.

“At half-time, we had a fairly straightforward conversation. We needed to get back to playing our rugby, increase our defensive line speed and start winning the physical battle, and the response from the boys was outstanding.

“We came out with a completely different level of intensity, started getting off the line defensively and put Stamford under sustained pressure. Once we established that platform, our attacking game really came to life.

“The forwards were excellent in the second half as a collective. Our set piece functioned well, and a driving maul that went 30 metres before we scored was a fantastic example of the pack working together. You don’t produce moments like that without everyone doing their job.

“There were some excellent individual performances, but Tom Kemp deservedly took our man of the match award. He’s naturally a scrum-half, but his pace makes him a real threat on the wing. He’s scored some outstanding tries this season and continues to make a big contribution wherever we ask him to play.

“Byron Van Urden was also exceptional from the tee, converting nine of our 10 tries. That sort of accuracy is a real asset.

“What pleased me most though was the collective response. The boys are working incredibly hard for each other, and when we combine that commitment with defensive aggression and good execution, we’re a very difficult side to play against.

“I’m happy to write off the first half, provided we learn from it! We can’t afford to give good sides that much freedom, but the reaction after the break was exactly what I wanted to see.

“Stamford deserve plenty of credit. They’re a great local club, they came to compete and they made life difficult for us. It’s a derby with plenty of history, and one we all hope continues for many years.

“It was another strong home result, plenty of positives and some clear areas to keep improving.”

There were nine different try scorers for Borough with Rob Jacobs crossing twice. Van Uden, Kemp, Dewi Pearce, Crooks, Aram Jones, Will Manning, Nick Langton and Josh Casbon also touched down.

Borough seconds won 43-31 at Cantabrigian seconds in Eastern Counties Division One West.

Other local results

Cambridge 3rds 25, Thorney 2nds 24; March Bears 16, Wisbech 30; Market Rasen & Louth 59, Bourne 10; Newark 20, Spalding 17; Oundle 41, Henley Hawks 34 (report to follow); Peterborough Lions 14, Old Laurentians 78; Deepings 22, Shelford 4ths 42; Wisbech 2nds 54, Fenland Barbarians 2nds 17.