Sat 18 Jan 2025
Peterborough RUFC got back to winning ways this past Saturday with a comprehensive win against Kettering RUFC at Fortress Fengate by 48-15.
The home side got off to a perfect start when Josh "Cliff" Casbon scored in the first couple minutes after Kettering were unable to clear from their 22 and Borough turned the ball over, putting it through the hands for Casbon to finish in the corner, 5-0. As the half continued Kettering were keeping Borough in their own half and scored a try of their own to bring the scores level 5-5. Borough were far from their best but managed to score again after a great break from half way by Casbon who had Pat Webb in support to score under the post and Byron Van Uden converting, 12-5. Scrum half Webb then went from hero to zero when he had a kick charged down which allowed the Kettering second row to score cutting the host lead down to 12-10. With the half almost up Borough managed to extend their small lead when Casbon scored his second. With the halftime score of 17-10 Borough were looking the better side but looked rusty after their week off. Frustrated coaches Sam Crooks and Brendan Burke had some stern words for their players during the break letting them know it exactly what was required in the second half.
With their coaches' words still ringing in their ears Borough turned on an excellent display in the second half both on attack and just as importantly defence. Looking dangerous every time they touched the ball Borough went onto score five second half tries. First flanker Alfie Lewis scored after some sustained pressure. Then a cross-field kick from Van Uden saw Michael Teague regather then out pace the Kettering cover defence to score. Stu Day was next on the score sheet benefiting from fellow prop Daniel Nunn's deft off load to run in from 20 metres. Kiwi Murphy Hill was next to score using the more direct approach when he ran over the top of a would be Kettering defender. Pat Webb then finished off a planned set piece move much to enjoyment of Backs coach Brenden Burke. Kettering did eventually gain a consolation try but only after Borough had turned back wave after wave of attack on their own tryline, every Borough player putting their bodies on the line despite being so far a head on the score board. Borough can be happy with their 48-15 win but will be looking to bring their second half performance to the full 80 minutes in their next game in two weeks.
Director of Rugby Shane Manning's comments " the way the lads played in the second half showed great character to fix what was not working in the first half. Although it was good to score some great tries the defence on our tryline in the second half is what was really pleasing. The lads put their bodies on the line time and time again and that's what will win games. Josh Casbon was the Man of the Match and rightly so. He's not the biggest bloke but he puts himself about. We have a week off now before we travel to Leicester Forest who themselves had a good showing in their last game against League leaders Lutterworth. As usual though we will focus on ourselves and hopefully continue our good run of form."
