Sheffield Hallam secured a staggering 40-6 victory against the University of Sheffield after a match filled with changeable weather and passionate play.
Seven minutes into the game, Hallam opens the scoring after a penalty and a well-played overload allowing Hewitt a clear opening for the first try of the game. Not followed by a conversion, leaves Hallam four points up.
Soon after this initial setback Sheffield Uni advances quickly to their try-line giving space for some good opportunities, making Hallam unable to gain territory. However, after a spill – putting the ball out of play, Hallam’s defence drains Sheffield Uni of their phases and places them out of reach of a try.
Although even in terms of possession, Hallam continues to show an indisputable advantage due to their stronger attacks paired with Sheffield Uni’s weaker defence.
Only 15 minutes after their first try Hallam secures the second try of the match, a powerful run and a successful conversion sees Hallam ten – nil up.
Not leaving any time for Sheffield Uni to catch up, Hallam’s Bates scores a wonderful try after getting all the way from the half-way line with aid from a few hand-offs. Hallam is seen leading the game so far with the score being 14-0 after 27 minutes.
Half an hour in and the rain and wind begin to roll in, but the crowds aren’t letting this dampen their spirits as shouts and screams of encouragement persevere through.
Sheffield Uni let a couple of try opportunities slip through their fingers minutes before the half-time whistle blew. So, we leave the first half with the score as 14-0 with Hallam’s domination in the game clear.
Hallam starts off the second half, breaking easily into Sheffield Uni’s half.
Tension builds between the two teams after Hallam player Hewitt trips while scoring his second try and fourth overall try of the game, increased by Sheffield Uni’s frustration of letting Hallam take control so quickly in the second half. After a successful conversion again from Wilkinson, the score becomes 20-0.
While Sheffield Uni plays some great, dynamic tackles and advances, Hallam stays dominant. Sheffield Uni’s lack of defence allows Hallam’s Wiltshire to score their fifth try, as an opening is left on the try-line. With an unsuccessful conversion, the score increases to 24-0.
Aggressions start to rise in the final third as Sheffield Uni begins to understand its position.
With Sheffield Uni’s defence slipping once again; less than five minutes since his last, Wiltshire scores yet another try for Hallam. At 52 minutes into the game, we have only seen Hallam lead the match in terms of score, attack, and defence, leaving Sheffield Uni feeling defeated. Alongside a terrific kick from Wilkinson, the conversion is added to the growing score of Hallam, leaving it at 30-0.
Keeping their composure, Sheffield Uni scores their first try of the game at 56 minutes after a powerful run from Borowski and a successful conversion from McKoweon. Giving points to both sides, the score stands at 30-6.
Not stopping their driving force, Hallam’s Bates scores another try after Sheffield Uni’s defence fails once more, only leaving one person for Bates to overload. As well as a successful conversion from Barlow – the score increases to 36-6.
Rounding it all off, Hallam’s own Wilkinson scored the last try of the game without a successful conversion after a strong last effort for Sheffield Uni’s defence.
Leaving us with the final score of 40-6 after a game of strength for Hallam and frustration for Sheffield Uni.
Featured Image Credits: Millie Hicks
