Published on Saturday 22 September 2012 17:43
Peterborough Lions’ superb start to the season continued at Bretton Park this afternoon (Saturday) as they made it four wins out of four in Midlands Division One East (South).
They overcame Towcestrians 27-20 but were given a bit of a scare along the way.
They deservedly led 22-5 at the interval after dominating long periods of the first half but then took their foot off the gas.
Towcestrians, who possessed an excellent set of backs, ran the ball wide and crossed for three quick tries to put the pressure on the Lions as they narrowed the gap to 22-20 with 15 minutes left.
But, as Towcestrians pressed for a winning score, winger John-Christian Sagoe sprinted in for an interception try from halfway to calm the Lions’ nerves.
Lions chairman Andy Moore was mightily relieved at the final whistle. He said: “That was a bit too close for comfort. You can’t afford to have a rest at this level and get away with it. We eased off in the second half and it almost cost us.
“But how can I complain? We’ve won against a quality side today to make it four out of four and we’ve picked up the bonus point for scoring four tries. I’m happy.”
Jaco Steenberg kicked Lions into the lead with an early penalty and on 10 minutes he converted a try by Marc Rossouw after big prop Manny Van Niekirk had done the donkey-work.
Towcester hit back with an unconverted try before scrum-half Laurent Ross scampered over for a try after more good work by Van Niekirk and Saad Sait on 20 minutes. Steenberg’s conversion made it 17-5.
Just before the break Sagoe raced in for his first try of the game after a good lineout take by Chris Humphrey.
Then came the Lions siesta, the Towcester fightback and Sagoe’s decisive second try.