Peterborough RUFC

Sat 2 Oct 2021

Old Northamptonians

6 - 9

(HT 0-0)

Peterborough

Old Northamptonians

Peterborough

Peterborough RUFC ran out 9-6 winners away to former coach Phil Powell's new side Old Northamptonians.  Conditions were a complete contrast to the previous week where bright blue skies gave way to wind and rain.  Both sides tried to play attacking rugby, but solid defence combined with wet conditions cancelled that out.

ON's had the wind in the first half and consequently spent the majority of the half camped down in Boro territory.  ON's scored first through a penalty.  This was cancelled out by Byron Van Uden who scored a penalty during one of Boro's rare trips into the opposition 22.  Almost immediately ON's scored another penalty for a 6-3 lead much to the frustration of Boro's coaching staff.  Boro did finish the stronger in the first half and Van Uden kicked them level with an excellent penalty kick from 45 metre out and into the wind.  6 all.

With the wind behind them in the second half Boro then turned the tables and pinned ON's in their own half.  Despite great runs from Robert Jacobs, Robert Moulds and Michael Hall, Boro couldn't score what would have been a deserved try.  With so much pressure on them however ON's conceded a penalty which Van Uden converted to give Boro a 9-6 win.

Coach Shane Manning comments:

"The lads worked really hard and to keep ON's tryless took a huge collective effort.  We were still our own worst enemies at times with taking the occasional wrong option but on the whole it was a good result.  We did pick up a couple more injuries to Nick Langton and Chris Sykes and the guys are generally a bit banged up.  We have our hardest game to date next Saturday away to in-form West Bridgford.  However we will look to rest a couple guys as it’s a long season and we have a smaller squad, we will still be looking to win and be ready for another tough game".