With today’s victory, Uni Of has now won Men’s Rugby (1st XV) eight years in a row. Despite challenging weather and a second-half red card, they triumphed 18-21 at the Sports Park this afternoon.
Free-flowing attacks were few and far between for either side and Uni Of’s dominance in the scrum was the defining feature of a very physical affair. The wind and heavy showers brought handling errors for both teams and the perfect opportunity for Uni Of’s forwards to gain an advantage.
Eager to improve on last year’s narrow loss, the experienced Hallam side impressed early on. Their pace and cohesion produced a stunning try within ninety seconds, as fullback James Norman scored from a kick-chase move. With the wind against them, the conversion from flyhalf Will Baker bounced off the post.
Four minutes later, Uni Of opened their account, with a pick-and-go try from prop Tom Elphick converted by fullback Adam Bosworth, Uni Of took a 5-7 lead. Despite pressure from Hallam, Uni Of used their big hitters to get out of trouble. In the 10th minute, a huge hit from flanker Ted Ferris gave his team a penalty turnover. Four minutes later, the power of the Uni Of scrum won a penalty; their forwards were critical in winning territory up the pitch. From the lineout up field, a huge 20-metre driving maul set Ferris up nicely for a pick-and-go try. Bosworth again converted, making the score 5-14.
19 minutes in, Hallam craftily stole the ball from the back of Uni Of’s scrum and sent Baker through a gap. Some beautiful offloading got them right up to the line for lock Joe Fitzsimmons to dot the ball down, despite cries of a double movement from the Uni Of fans. Baker converted, closing the gap to 12-14.
The set-piece dominated the rest of the half, with the next real attacking threat coming at 40 minutes, as Hallam winger Joel Gunn’s line break brought them close, but the final effort was held up by Uni Of’s tough defence.
Early on in the second half, both sides moved quickly and fluidly in attack but struggled to make ground with ball in hand. On 45 minutes, Baker kicked three points to send Hallam 15-14 up. From the kickoff, Hallam kicked long, now with the wind behind them, to keep Uni Of pinned into their own 22. Having won another penalty, Baker slotted another three points for Hallam.
Five minutes later, from a Uni Of scrum on the 10-metre line, the ball was passed through to centre Will Nokes who broke through and a loose pass reached the feet of centre Tom Rogan, who chipped it past the try line. He was tackled off the ball and so a penalty try was awarded, gifting Uni Of a 21-18 lead.
Controversy followed as Hallam had Louis Redfern’s try ruled out for a forward pass and Uni Of lock Charlie Flinders was sent off for stamping in the ruck, but the score remained 18-21 at full time. With a win for both the 1st and 2nd XV, Uni Of again completed the men’s rugby whitewash.
Varsity continues tomorrow with cycling (hill climb and time trial).
Featured Image Credit: Forge TV
