2013/2014 University Rugby Review - Week 10

After another thrilling Wednesday afternoon of University Rugby, we at Talking Rugby Union wanted to bring you all the latest scores, news and analysis from all BUCS rugby around the country.

This week there was action throughout all of the four Premier Leagues, in both the north and south.

However, the greatest amount of anticipation was coming from the Northern Premier A League where Durham, for the first time, have their lead under-threat by Loughborough, who were just one point behind before the games began.

Reigning champions Durham hosted Leeds in the North East and shattered all of the doubters with a commanding 40-21 bonus point victory.

After a close-fought first half the men in purple cruised to victory with three tries in the final quarter sealing an important win.

Read our full match report here, with an interview from head coach Alex Keay.

Elsewhere, the league’s other important fixture was between Loughborough and Leeds Met, as the Midlands side looked to keep their title hopes alive.

However, disaster struck for Loughborough as they succumbed to a disappointing 27-17 defeat.

The loss took Loughborough’s foot from the gas, as they keep hold of their second place with 26 points, but are not a difficult six points adrift of Durham.

Finally, in the third game of the round, Northumbria convincingly beat Nottingham, 26-7, to take them to this in the league, just two points shy of Loughborough. Another loss for Nottingham means that they still stay rooted to the bottom of the league with just nine points to their name.

In the second tier of Northern University Rugby all of the eight teams were in action again after a week off last week.

Table toppers Birmingham extended their lead at the top of the table with a 38-25 victory over second place Nottingham Trent.

First met second in the game of the round and Birmingham came out victorious to extend their lead.

Elsewhere, York beat Sheffield Hallam 66-14; Durham seconds beat Manchester 22-20 and finally, Edinburgh beat Loughborough seconds in Scotland by 25 points to 10.

In the Southern half of the University Rugby Championship league leaders Hartpury had to sit back and watch the games unfold this week as they took to the side-lines for a week off.

However, much to their relief, second place Exeter, who were hot on their heels with a game in hand, could not make the most of the advantage and bridge the gap as they convincingly fell 37-15 to Cardiff Met away from home.

After the game Exeter mange to still remain in second place but are five points adrift of Hartpury. On the other hand, Cardiff Met are fourth on 23 points, just one behind Bath in third.

Bath won this week, 26-12, against Cardiff University, who are now bottom of the league after Swansea pulled themselves from relegation with an impressive win.

Swansea proved there is still fight left in them as they hurtled past Bristol with a final score of 24-3. Hence, Swansea move out of the bottom spot with 10 points to their name, now just three behind Bristol, the place above, in fifth.

Lastly, in the Southern Premier B League Bath seconds stay at the top of the table by two points after an incredible 22-all draw away at Reading.

Also, Cardiff Met seconds beat Hartpury seconds by 23 points to 21 in a close-fought encounter and Exeter seconds crushed former leaders St Mary’s by 35 points to 10.

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