Derwent College are now on the brink of winning the college rugby title for a third year running, having beaten James 33-22 on Sunday in what was a high-paced, savage encounter that essentially decided who was to be college champion of the 2012-13 season.
This highly-anticipated grudge-match proved to be the most vital match of the season for both teams; both sides having trounced the other colleges comprehensively. It was clear that a win for either side would clear the path to acquiring the college title; it was evident that both sides were eager to do so, with only 11 points separating the two teams at the end.
Derwent kicked off, and promptly surged the James defence, putting pressure on the James number 8 who dropped the ball after fly half Phil Hammick’s kick-off. Some effective running and support-play from the Derwent backs afforded them an approach to the James try-line. Phil Hammick drew first blood for Derwent, touching down after a mere few minutes – James helpless to restrain their competitors.
Without delay or deceleration, Derwent immediately harried the James territory, Hammick kicking a penalty ball deftly out of the James 22 for a line-out. Derwent exhibited the brawn of their forward pack, with captain Chris Judge and prop Bobo Johnson crashing the ball, creating a platform for scrum-half Cameron Strange. Strange spread the ball wide, ultimately resulting in a second try for Derwent in minutes, scored by fullback, Ed Kemp. James again looking impotent against Derwent’s early domination. 14-0.
These two early tries appeared to galvanise James, as it was soon Derwent that was scrambling in their half, trying to remain tenacious against the James onslaught. Derwent scrappiness allowed James to maintain possession in the Derwent half.
The pressure on Derwent eventually paid off; James’ 13, Chris Smith, making a powerful run along the flank, fending against the Derwent backline and touching down to make it 14-5. It was Derwent who now appeared perturbed, not accustomed to such resilience after such an auspicious start.
In these early moments of the game, the James pack exercised control over the scrums, their experienced group of forwards working efficaciously as a unit to disrupt Derwent play. The James backline, however, was nothing substandard, soon enough making a piercing run through the Derwent defence, only to be stopped by Ed Kemp, the bastion of Derwent defence.
James still persisted in their attack, the majority of the play following Derwent’s two early tries residing in Derwent’s own half. James’ Charlie Burton almost crossed the line in the left wing; yet Derwent’s defence remained dogged.
Derwent were fortuitously awarded a lucky break; Alex Cochrane-Dyet reading a James’ backline move and intercepting the ball intelligently. Some masterful passing between backs Cochrane-Dyet, Hammick, and Kemp resulted in Kemp’s second of the match.
21-5 was not the score that represented the most recent phases of play, but Derwent were more than satisfied. The game went into halftime with the same score.
James did not wait to trouble Derwent again, executing an impressive driving maul from a line-out that eventually lead to a well-deserved try. Score now 21-10; the pressure still on Derwent.
Rob Wilson, only making his second appearance for Derwent at centre, continued in his sterling form to crash through the James backline. Derwent, now with possession in the James 22, appeared invigorated and resembled the team that scored the two tries early on; no longer the team on the back-foot.
James’ monumental defence did not relent however, keeping Derwent at bay and breaking down play exceptionally. James’ eventual 22 drop-out did little to alleviate the pressure however, with Derwent scrum-half Strange crossing the line following an intelligent quick-tap after James conceded a penalty a mere few metres from their try-line. Now 28-10.
The rejuvenated Derwent side came back at James with the same fervour, managing to manufacture yet another try within minutes. Kemp and Derwent winger Rammy transported the ball up to the James 5, only to have Hammick to spread it to Cochrane-Dyet for his second of the match. 33-10. Things looked irrecoverable for the hapless James, who had looked so sharp in the earlier stages of the match.
James didn’t resign themselves to failure, with a break from the 10, Collins, passing it out wide to James 5, Phil Clayton who penetrated a glaring gap in the Derwent defence to score for his side, 33-17 – this most recent James’ surge demonstrated James’ determination.
In the last few minutes of the game, James executed a last-ditch consolation effort, with another perfectly executed driving maul that saw them cross the line for the last time. Final score 22-33.
This epic matchup exhausted both teams physically and mentally; this classic college rugby encounter was sure to provide such fierce and intense competition, which it did. Derwent captain, Chris Judge commented ‘they were by far the most competitive and aggressive side we’ve played. We’ve worked on improving our game since losing to uni 3rds, and everything I wanted to happen in this game did happen.’ James’ skipper, Jamie Boyd remarked ‘we played out of our skins. We’re just really gutted, although this match was just pure quality.’
James will be disappointed not to capitalise on such an opportunity to finally reclaim college cup after such a long absence. Derwent, conversely, will see this as reassurance that they still have such quality and depth in the squad, and that maintaining the ethos of college rugby is crucial to triumphing in the league. In essence, this was a truly epic sporting spectacle!