Biggleswade 10 Peterborough Lions 32 Midlands Four East (South) THIS was not a bad result against a side whose aim is to be playing in the National leagues in five years. The score against could easily have been doubled but for a realisation early on tha

Biggleswade 10

Peterborough Lions 32

Midlands Four East (South)

THIS was not a bad result against a side whose aim is to be playing in the National leagues in five years.

The score against could easily have been doubled but for a realisation early on that if they didn't dig deep Biggleswade would be in for a real hiding.

The Lions had a powerful pack especially in the front row and strong running threequarters who were as elusive as they were quick. A couple of early tries from deep positions underlined that as would be tacklers Biggleswade were left grasping at thin air.

A poor clearance kick was run back by the Lions' winger for a third try that really boded badly for Biggleswade.

But excellent line-out ball, a delicious sleight of hand by Matt Keen, an input of speed from Ross Taylor who kicked ahead for centre Martin Cray to shoot through and win the race for a Biggleswade touchdown.

Shortly afterwards skipper Mark Rastrick was forced to leave the field with a head injury that caused a large scale re-arrangement of the back-line.

A try by the Lions No 8 from the base of the scrum made the half-time score a daunting 5 - 24.

But the substitution of prop Dave Tysom by the burly and powerful Andy Burke added an extra dimension to the Biggy pack.

It was AJ who scored Biggleswade's second try. It came after a break by fly-half Matt Keen who put out a terrible pass to Mark Roberts. Somehow the giant lock scooped the ball off his boot laces and gave an inch perfect pass to the prop who crashed over in the corner.

Confronted by a much more competitive Biggleswade side in the second half the Lions lost their cool and had two players off with red and yellow cards respectively.

But after keeping them out for half-an-hour the depleted visitors were still able to run in a couple of late tries. A much improved second half added some pride to Biggleswade. But the return fixture in the Lions den in December will be another mighty encounter.