Derwent resumed their domination in college rugby in flamboyant style, putting 52 points passed the hapless Alcuin college at half-time, subsequently prompting Alcuin to end the game prematurely. In this highly anticipated start to the season, Chris Judge and Muzzy Foley, the captains of Derwent and Alcuin respectively, were eager to begin triumphantly; both teams having been finalists in last season’s college rugby final. Such an unforeseen trouncing, however, means Derwent extend their lengthy unbeaten run in college 15s, and maintain their supremacy in college rugby.
Derwent needed no attrition in penetrating the Alcuin defense almost immediately after kick-off, with debutant Cameron Strange receiving a deftly delivered offload from a fellow Derwent comrade, after some intelligent and rapid play from the Derwent backline; neatly converted by Phil Hammick.
Derwent were wary not to become complacent with these early points, and instead produced an onslaught of tries, with Alex Cochrane-Dyet and Robert ‘Bobo’ Johnson both grabbing a brace in this unmitigated one-sided affair. The latter of which running from within Derwent’s own 22 to score a sterling solo-effort try, pummeling past two unfortunate Alcuin backs. 29-0, 15 minutes into the game, deemed Derwent indisputably to be certain title-contenders following from last year’s success.
Alcuin looked resilient in patches, and could be seen to have had the competitive fervour, but ostensibly lacked the experience and depth that Derwent subjugated them with. They were by no means a complete Alcuin team either, having been afflicted considerably with injury and deficiency of training as a newly-formed team.
Derwent, however, did not waive in continuing to apply pressure against this seemingly inexperienced Alcuin defense, with another two debutants, Alex Sankey and Brayden Ridgeway, getting their names on the score sheet. Ed Kemp, Derwent’s full-back also performed exceptionally, often authoring a large proportion of his team’s tries with his powerful, surging runs. A further slew of tries resulted in the half-time score of 52-0, ultimately resulting in Alcuin captain, Muzzy Foley, bringing the game to an early end for his injury-hounded and inexperience Alcuin team.
This lopsided encounter enabled Derwent to make an emphatic statement; that again, they are going for gold, as far as sporting platitudes go. This rout may also serve as a wake-up call for Alcuin, and give them a chance to regroup and gel as a team. Derwent captain, Chris Judge, was thoroughly content with his team’s performance; “This was a great game for us and our new fresh squad. The freshers have been great, and it was good to see teamwork and camaraderie in the squad already. I’m excited for our next game.”
Derwent face Halifax on Wednesday, a contest that should be closer than this plain sailing victory.
A very good artícal . Let’s keep the results coming Derwent and mayor the Uní 2nd’s will be hardware pressed to get a result.