Sat 21 Sep 2024
Peterborough RUFC travelled to Coventry on Saturday to face Broadstreet RUFC who were new to the league after being relegated from the league above. Despite suffering a 35-22 defeat Head Coach Sam Crooks was able to take a lot of positives.
Broadstreet started well and were soon out to a 12-0 lead after scoring two tries with one being converted. The young Borough side grew into the game and Captain Luke Swindells scored their first try of the day which was converted by Byron Van Uden. Neither side added any more points with Broadstreet taking a 12-7 halftime lead.
The Borough side were well in the contest and had perhaps shown their opposition to much respect and would need to up their game in the second half to get the desired result. Broadstreet scored with an early penalty to extend their lead but Mooki Tshepo who was playing his first game of the season scored the first of his two tries. Borough however were a bit to overzealous at times in defence and were conceding far too many penalties which was allowing Broadstreet to clear their lines time and time again. A Van Uden penalty and another Tshepo try gave Borough hope but Broadstreet managed two late tries to push the score out and claim a 35-22 win. Borough will be disappointed with the result and will be confident when the two sides meet again at Fortress Fengate later in the season.
Director of Rugby Shane Manning's comments " it was a winnable game on the road but our slow start hurt us. However the lads showed an improved performance from last week and are always learning, if we keep improving each game we will be in a good place later in the season. The little details are what we are struggling with at the moment but that's to be expected with a new ,young squad. Pat Webb and Mooki Tshepo stood out for us today with Mooki in particular being a constant threat in attack. This coming Saturday we have a huge test against league favourites Lutterworth. It will be a stern test for our lads but that's why we play, we will play with no fear and have a go at them."
