A collective audible groan from players and parents alike registered across South Leicestershire this Sunday morning as it was confirmed that the Menaces fixture at Peterborough was still going ahead despite Siberian conditions and matches cancelled elsewhere. Seemingly attractive dry & sunny conditions at Peterborough were tempered with a bracing icy wind on the exposed pitch.

The Menaces were split into 2 squads - Menaces A being the subject of this match report - with 2 of Peterborough players added to even-up numbers. 2 fixtures were played against Peterborough’s A and B squads.

Whilst the weather may have been arctic, the on-pitch performance was red hot as Menaces A sought to tear through Peterborough A. Accurate rucking, passing, and tackling and an overall hunger and edge left Peterborough A reeling and exposed in all facets of their game. Tom Vickers was first to register a score through some weak Peterborough tackling after which the tries rained down. A further try from Dylan Williams, and a brace from Jonny Sobek saw the first half finish 4-0. However Menaces A were just warming-up.

2 further tries from Teagan Beaufoy, 2 from Will Jeffs, and both Dylan Williams and Jonny Sobek adding a try each to their first half accounts meant Menaces A finished 10-0 outright winners and were very pleased with their work. Granted, this team performance was complemented by 2 Peterborough players who more than contributed to the cause, but there were many reasons to be satisfied.

A brief turnaround and Menaces A were lined-up against Peterborough B who provided a sterner test than Peterborough A but this improved resistance was still found wanting. Woody Redfearn was the first to score followed soon after by a try from one of our Peterborough Loan Players. A brief lapse in tackling allowed Peterborough B to register the first of 2 tries in this half but Jonny Sobek scored both a try of his own and, hauled down short of scoring a second, supplied a pop-pass to Will Jeffs who was able to complete the move and close the first half 4-2.

The story was much the same in the second half: Menaces A continued to test Peterborough B with some fine passing, and rucking. Their spirit again proving the difference between the 2 sides. Jonny Sobek scored the first try of the second half, further tries coming from Teagan Beaufoy and 2 from our Peterborough Loanees, however more isolated lapses in concentration allowed Peterborough B to again score twice. The score at the whistle was 8-4.

2 dominant performances in 2 good-natured fixtures gave for smiles all-round amongst the players, coaches, and watching parents and provided more than an adequate cure to the hangover of disappointment from the previous day’s marquee sporting fixture involving the Scottish. (Clearly am referring here to the Bronze Medal play-off loss by Eve Muirhead and team against the Japanese in the Ladies Curling.)

Andy Sobek