More disappointment for the Lions

There was more disappointment for Peterborough Lions as their National League adventure continued with another home defeat this afternoon (September 8).
Jake Carter scores a try for the Lions. Picture: Mick SutterbyJake Carter scores a try for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Jake Carter scores a try for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby

They entertained Hinckley at Solstice Park, Bretton and were well beaten 48-21 by a side tipped by many to finish top of the National League Division Two North table come next April.

They certainly looked a class act in the second half and constantly punched big holes in a lightweight Lions defence.

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But in the first half there was little to choose between two sides currently sitting at opposite ends of the table.

Kaz Henderson touches down for the Lions. Picture: Mick SutterbyKaz Henderson touches down for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Kaz Henderson touches down for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby

The Lions were smarting from the previous weekend’s opening day loss against Wharfedale and began with a lot more fire in their bellies.

They were on the front foot from the word go and after a dominant opening 10-minute spell they were rewarded with a lovely try by winger Kaz Henderson after a mighty shove at a scrum by the forwards and some slick handling by the backs. Ben Young added the extras and the future looked bright.

Hinckley’s response was swift. Within a couple of minutes they snatched one try back as the Lions dithered in the tackle and then eight minutes later grabbed another, again as a result of poor Lions defending,

The Lions then prooduced a purple patch of their own.

Jack Askham on the charge for the Lions. Picture: Mick SutterbyJack Askham on the charge for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Jack Askham on the charge for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby
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Hinckley came under pressure and had a winger yellow carded and while he was in the sin bin the Lions ran in two lovely tries to go 20-12 ahead.

First new Argentinan scrum-half Franco Perticaro scurried over under the posts after a devastating 30-yard break by fly-half Young and then substitute Jake Carter raced in from the halfway line to touch down for a solo score.

Hinckley again replied instantly with their third try and it was 21-17 at the turnaround and a great contest in store.

But the second half belonged totally to Hinckley.

Tom Lewis on the run for the Lions. Picture: Mick SutterbyTom Lewis on the run for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby
Tom Lewis on the run for the Lions. Picture: Mick Sutterby

They were quickly out of the blocks and edged ahead 24-21 with a bonus-point try - once more the Lions tackling left a lot to be desired - and then came the turning point of the game.

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The Lions lost hooker Jack Askham to the sin bin and Young and Aki Lea to injury and Hinckley smashed in two tries in quick succession while Lions were regrouping.

Hinckley then led 38-21, the Lions were shattered and they never threatened again.

Lions chairman Andy Moore said: “At least we started better than last week and for one half we gave Hinckley a good game. And they are after all a popular tip for the top.

“But we had a moment of madness there in the second half when we were in disarray due to a sin-binning and a couple of injuries and it cost us dearly. At this level if you’re in disarray you get punished.

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“I must admit I was disppointed not to get a bonus point. I thought we deserved one on our first-half showing.

“It’s going to be a long hard season.”

Peterborough Lions: J. Waller, J. Askham, D. Reilly, M. Andrijauskas, W, Nankevil, T. Lewis, A. Lea, C. Gracey, F. Perticaro, B. Young, K. Henderson, N. Defeo, S. Ma’asi, A. Hill, S. Meyers. Subs: C. Cutts, C. Edbrooke, T. Dougherty, J. Carter, J. Lewis.