James college rugby continued their winning ways with a 34-0 victory over the newly formed Heslington East side, which comprises players from Langwith and Goodricke. Yet again James were forced to lend players to the opposition so that a 15-a-side game could be played.
Winger Phil Scott opened the scoring within the first five minutes, with an impressive 30-metre run down the touchline handing off three players before diving over in the corner for the first try of a sunny afternoon.
After Scott’s first try the floodgates opened, with scrum half Brummitt and full back Robirosa both adding to the scoreboard. The James back line worked well together, stringing together a number of good passages of play through some impressive moves. Meanwhile the James forwards carried and rucked well, with some darting runs by Clayton and Boyd.
The Heslington East side performed admirably, with strong running from the centres and good work from number 8 James Thomas. It was a performance with many positives for the side, which will hope to gain momentum over the rest of the season.
James will be disappointed that they are still yet to face a team with a full squad; an issue which is frustrating for their players and college rugby as a whole. At this point in the season it looks as if the team which wins the league will be decided in the James v Derwent game in two weeks, one which is not to be missed.
Alcuin’s game with Vanbrugh was also marred by lack of numbers, as Vanbrugh were forced to concede the result to Alcuin after turning up with just six players.
Alcuin lent the depleted side five players for a game of tens, which they won convincingly 39-12 after a shaky start.
Vanbrugh took the lead through scrum half Toby Dyke before Alcuin levelled through captain Muzzy Foley, who went on to score a hat-trick of tries in the victory.
After the sides had gone into half-time at 12-12, Alex Brightmore scored his first ever Alcuin try to put his side ahead, before centre James Evans scored twice and Foley completed his hat-trick to put some daylight between the sides. Foley was pleased with his side’s “macho power,” as they go into a vital clash with James.