Borough draw after much improved showing

Round-up

Boroughturnedinamuchimproved display on their opening daydefeatbyOadby(14-10) to draw 15-15 at Oakham in Midlands East Division Two (South).

In fact, they were disappointed to only draw as they led by seven points with only three minutes remaining and debutant Lewis Hall hit the post with a penalty with the last kick of the game.

Two other debutants in a much-changed Borough lineup - Michael Bean and Ben Higton - both acquitted themselves well.

In thesamedivision, Stamford won24-19 at Market Har- boroughbutnewly-promoted Oundle suffered another defeat. Theylost33-18atOldLaurentians despite a sparkling man-of-the-match display by back row player Robb Shingles.

In Midlands Division Four East (South), Deeping proved too good for Stamford College Old Boys, winning 24-12 with tries through Luke Whitby, Gareth Silverwood, Michael Wainwright and Dom Peacock, while Bourne thumped Bedford Swifts 53-0 with Sam Thornburnscoringfourtries. honours in the big local veter- ans derby.

They beat Peterborough Juggers 42-12 with number eight Duncan Davies claiming a hat-trick of tries.

Chris Platt, Jason Monoghan and Andy McGeown also had great games for the Monks but the man-ofthe-match award wasgiven to BenRichardsonforhislineout supremacy and his excellent work around the park.

Stamford, Spalding, Oundl e, Deeping, Thorney and Bourne are all involved in national cup competitions on Saturday. Borough have a bye and are without a game.

Borough scrum-half Harry Roe attempts to grab an Oakham opponent.