2014/15 BUCS Review, Round 5: Review
Another pulsating afternoon of University rugby took place on Wednesday across the UK and Talking Rugby Union takes a look at the key results from this round of action.
Premier South A
League leaders Exeter were stunned by Cardiff University 16-18 in Wales to end their 100 per cent start to the season. This was Exeter’s first league defeat in five, but they still remain top of the division on point’s difference. Cardiff made it two wins from two at home this season.
Bath captalised on Exeter’s misfortunate to go level on points with them after a 29-15 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan 1sts. Emerging talent George Drury was involved in another home victory for Bath extending their run to four games without defeat at the Sulis Club. Drury starting at full back was able to cross the try line yet again. As for Cardiff Met, they are still at the foot of the division with just one win to their name so far this season.
Premier North A
Unlike Exeter, Leeds Beckett University just about maintained their 100 per cent record this season on Wednesday as they narrowly beat Durham 29-28 with five tries to four making the difference. The referee issued 3 yellow cards to Durham, one for a tip tackle and the other two in the closing minutes as Leeds Beckett hammered the line. This was an enjoyable game to watch and ultimately it was the slightly older and more experienced Beckett that took the spoils. The freshers in the Durham back line will have learnt much from this experience. Both front rows struggled at scrum time and having the put in seemed to be a disadvantage. Durham are now in fifth with this defeat and have lost their last two games. In terms of Leeds Beckett, they now have a four point lead at the top of Premier North A.
Newcastle University had the bragging rights from the Tyneside derby this week as they shocked second placed Northumbria to win 17-14 at Cochrane Park. Newcastle have now won their last three games and are starting to creep up on their city rivals who have now lost their last three.
Leeds University’s misery on the road continued as they were edged out by Nottingham University 16-15 extending their winless away record to six matches in all competitions. Leeds stay two points clear of bottom side Nottingham.
Premier North B
Three miles up the road, Nottingham Trent returned to action this week and were back with a victory as they saw off newly promoted Bishop Burton College 33-24. This win means Trent are still unbeaten this season as they keep on the tails of Durham 2nds in pursuit of defending their title.
Manchester University claimed their second victory of the season as they beat Edinburgh University 39-14 at the Armitage Site to move themselves into the top three. There are contrasting fortunes for Edinburgh as they have lost their last four in all competitions.
Northern 1A
The University of Liverpool were back in league action after losing 22-29 to Loughborough 3rds in the cup last time out. They put that behind them to beat the University of Leeds 2nds by the same score line on Wednesday seeing them go into third place. Leeds have now lost their last three against Liverpool.
Northern 2A
Manchester Met’s fantastic form continued as they made it three wins from three beating city rivals the University of Manchester 2nds 24-5. They are now sitting six points clear at the top of the league. Manchester 2nds are bottom of the division after this defeat and now haven’t won away from home since December of last year.
Edge Hill were back playing rugby after a week off, but didn’t have the same outcome as Man Met as they were beaten 20-10 by Liverpool 2nds at the Wyncote Sports Ground. This was Liverpool’s first win of the campaign and have now won the last two against Edge Hill.
TalkingRugbyUnion camera crew were at Leeds Beckett and are looking to cover a game next Wednesday - any nominations? If you want to submit reports or news about your university please email redpandabranded4@gmail.com
