Loughborough University easily beat a highly depleted and disappointing University of Glamorgan. The Welshmen arrived in the Midlands with just fourteen men, decimated due to injury, holidays and unexplained late withdrawals. Eight of the Glamorgan team had no prior experience of rugby league. Even their lone substitute had been injured for the best part of 18 months and was only going to take the field if desperately needed.

Glamorgan coach Darren Jones said, “Having worked so hard as a squad to get us here, I am so frustrated and disappointed by the conduct of certain members of the side. We were informed that if we failed to complete the fixture we would be expelled from the competition next year.” His team talk to the players was simple, “Nothing fancy, you can all tackle and pass. Just play rugby and complete your sets.”

The guidance worked to start with as Glamorgan completed five out of their first six sets. However it was only a matter of time before the rout started, as Loughborough’s rugby league players were far too skilled and experienced for the Welsh novices.

Centre Keiron Collins ran in for Loughborough’s first try on eight minutes with Scott Newman adding another four minutes later. Collins completed a hat-trick by scoring a brace on 14 and 21 minutes but not before Glamorgan got close to the line twice, Nick Dawson being tackled metres from the line and Darren Jones being held up as he crossed.

However tries from Steve Hall, Simon Greenwood-Hague and Tony McMahon gave the home side a 38-0 half-time lead.

Loughborough’s fitness showed in the second half as Glamorgan fell to eight further scores. Hall, Simon Perry, Collins, McMahon, James Lewis all scored before further injuries took the Glamorgan side down to ten men.

Phil Cliff then added his first two tries ever for Loughborough before the ten men of Glamorgan got close to scoring themselves, Dawson being tackled on the final tackle when just two metres short of the line.

Newman added his second of the game just before the final whistle, Dave Budden converting as he had with ten of the previous 14 tries.

As sometimes happens in play-off series, Loughborough were left to reflect on the nature of this game. Whether they will benefit from a comfortable match this week prior to facing-up against a much stronger UWIC outfit next week or whether the lack of a truly competitive hit-out might leave a soft underbelly. No doubt UWIC will wonder likewise.

Meanwhile Glamorgan Coach Darren Jones reflected: “I’m still proud of our season overall and particularly of the lads who played today. They all worked their hearts out and I know many will be back training next year so there will be a fight for places.”

Article by Ian Golden
15 Mar 2006