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Photos: Dave Hughes
In a muddy encounter, Vanbrugh had the attacking ingenuity to edge out their bottom of the table counterparts, Goodricke.
A high intensity first half saw Vanbrugh take an early lead through the powerful play of Mark Gibbard, followed up by a successful Chris West conversion.
Despite this early impact the Purples made on the score-line, they were unable to add to it throughout the first half despite their hefty territory.
Not willing to succumb to a defeat, Goodricke came out strongly in the second half. Chris Smith, who’d been winning most of the line out, was unable to see his side cross the line despite pushing Vanbrugh to within their 5 metre line.
Will Routledge, on his debut for Vanbrugh, was to finally clear his lines. His dictating of the play gave much needed balance to the Vanbrugh attack.
It was in no means a surprise that Vanbrugh got the second try their play deserved, Will Wade cutting in from wing after the ball had gone blind from an uncontested scrum. From the resulting ruck, Gareth Turner was on hand to bundle the ball over.
Routledge, the influential fly-half; was to have a say in the third and final try. Despite the conditions, his quick hands set Matt Thorpe on his way to end the tie 19-0.
Chris West, Vanbrugh Captain was relieved record an end of term victory. “It was a good follow on from the game against James, showing we’ve grown quite a lot in the last few weeks.” Having postponed the game with table-topping Derwent, the Vanbrugh captain added; “I now expect with our strong Fresher core to give Derwent a good hard game.”
Goodricke Captain Alex McDonald, having become his College’s Bar Rep earlier in the week, could not add to his triumphs today but looked to the future in hope
“The muddy conditions today didn’t match our play, lets all hope RI have fixed their boiler and the showers are warm”
The game marked the end of Winter term fixtures. After the match between Halifax and James was unfortunately called off after a controversial time mix up. While Derwent New Boys(1st and 2nd years) defeated their elder 3rd year team-mates 15-12 after a controversial Luca Illing try.