Match Preview

LAST HOME GAME OF THE 2017/18 SEASON FOR THE LIONS.

YOUTUBE link - https://youtu.be/a_yiBFp4M_A

It’s a big last day of the English Clubs Championship season on Saturday for many local clubs and especially for Peterborough Lions.

The Bretton-based side have to gain a bonus-point win against Bridgnorth at Solstice Park (kick-off 3pm) to secure a second-place finish in the Midlands Premiership.

And the reward for that is a promotion play-off - most probably away to Northern Premiership runners-up Hull the following weekend when a National League Two spot will be the star prize.

Lions chairman Andy Moore is looking forward to the big day.

He said: “Saturday can’t come soon enough. You can’t get a better end to the season - everything to play for. If we beat Bridgnorth it will happen - we will be in the play-offs for the first time ever.

“I want the people of Peterborough to turn out in force and cheer our lads to victory. They’ve worked their socks off all season and deserve some support.

“It’s a massive match for the club and for rugby in Peterborough.

“If we get those five points Newport can’t catch us whatever they do in the last two games. They can draw level but we’d take second place on having the most wins.”

The Lions warmed up for the big finale with a comfortable 55-36 win away at Bournville.

They scored in the first minute when skipper Chris Humphrey stormed his way in for a try and by half-time further touchdowns had been added by Semisi Sitanislei Tei (2), Ben Young and Tom Lewis and the Lions turned round 31-12 ahead.

That soon became 55-17 as Sitanislei Tei completed his hat-trick, Young added a second and Nico Defeo and Niko Moa crossed in the second half.
With the job completed, the Lions took their foot off the gas and allowed Bournville three late tries.

The only disappointment for Lions was that two players picked up injuries. Humphrey needed a facial wound stitching and Rory White was carried off with a damaged knee.

Both face late fitness tests for the Bridgnorth game but Tom Gulland and Marius Andrijauskas, who missed Saturday’s match, will return to the squad.

The Lions won 27-26 at Bridgnorth in their first match of the season.

This is a copy from the Peterborough Telegraph. Words by the one and only Bob French.