Sat 20 Dec 2025
Peterborough RUFC travelled to Bedford Athletic on Saturday and despite an excellent first half display couldn't match the experience displayed by the home side on their 4G artificial pitch and lost 31-22.
After an even first 20 minutes Borough were first on the scoreboard when scrum half Tom Kemp darted from a ruck and had the pace to out do the chasing defence for a try converted by flyhalf Liam Sheilds. Ath however showed their fire power and scored from a five-metre scrum when their number 8 forced his way over. Borough however were playing some really good rugby and scored two quick tries. Both came from the backs when Tshempo Mooki and Max Arnold both scored out wide. Ath did manage to score again after a intercept try but Borough would score their forth when Captain Luke Swindells forced his way over after repeated pick and goes from the Borough forward pack to close out the half. Borough perhaps deserved more for their efforts in the first half but deserved their 22-12 halftime lead.
Despite Borough's excellent first half display Ath would show their class in the second. From the start of the second half Ath were straight on the attack and scored early on to cut Boroughs lead to 22-19. Borough were holding on but couldn't contain the relentless pressure and Ath scored again to take the lead for the first time in the game 22-24. Borough were throwing everything at a very resolute defence and were giving themselves opportunities to score but with the set piece coming under pressure they repeatedly turned possession over. With only a few minutes remaining Ath scored to take the game away and win by 31-22. Borough let a golden opportunity to beat the second place team slip and would have to settle for a four try bonus point.
Director of Rugby Shane Manning's comments " a game of two halves. We played some great rugby in the first half and probably should of scored a couple more tries. But ultimately Ath's experience in the second half was the difference. We have a young side for the most part and they will learn from that game. We go into Xmas break in 5th place so there is still loads to play for in the second half of the season. Our next game is on the 10th of January against Daventry at Fortress Fengate who we lost to earlier in the season. It will be a good test and be interesting to see if we have improved from when we played them last time."
