Cambridge RLFC 4-20 Warwick University Rugby League: Match report
Warwick University Rugby League were wearing their Pride laces for their game against Cambridge but its more than just pride that they took home after notching an impressive win in tough conditions.
The game started brightly for WURL as Cillian Richards ran a good line to break Cambridge’s defence and score under the posts. This was after a few good moves by Warwick almost lead to tries in the first five minutes but for the weather to hamper their efforts. Bradley Sheridan kicked the conversion.
However, immediately afterwards a few costly mistakes in defence by Warwick lead to them having to soak up 5 defensive sets on their own try-line in a row, eventually leading to a Cambridge try in the corner. That was the only highlight for Cambridge though as once Warwick cut out the mistakes they never really threatened to score again.
Having conceded the try, Warwick increased their intensity which lead to increased possession and territory, heaping pressure on Cambridge. Cambridge held firm for a while but it was only a matter of time before Warwick would score again. It finally came at the stroke of half-time as Tom Palmer caught another cross-kick from Sheridan to cross for his 7th try of the season – all 7 of his tries to date have been from kicks.
After half-time, Cillian Richards got his 2nd try thanks to some improvising on the try-line before Bradley Sheridan kicked a penalty five minutes from the end to ensure the mountain was too big to climb for a battling Cambridge side. The win means Warwick have consolidated their position of 4th in Midlands 1A and gives them a great platform to challenge for their goal of 3rd or higher.
“The greatest thing about this win from our perspective is that it was built on great defence.” said Captain George Edge after the game. “We’ve knocked ourselves out of games at times this season by allowing easy tries so it was great to see us cut that out and hold a much more physical side than us to one solitary try, especially away from home.”
“The conditions weren’t great but we stuck at it and we can be very proud of our performance – now for another tough game at Birmingham as we keep on pushing for a position on the podium.”
Players from Warwick University Rugby League were sporting rainbow laces during the game in support of Pride week and initiatives to kick homophobia out of sport. “We’re an inclusive club and as such we want to take an active role in kicking out any form of anti-LGBT+ phobia from our sport – or any sport, for that matter. Rugby league is a game for all.” Stated Adam Fairhurst, president of Warwick University Rugby League, after the game.
Next week brings another away game for WURL as they travel to Birmingham, having lost to them at home earlier in the season.