Trinity students represent Welsh Universities

04.03.2008

Three of Trinity’s students represented Wales in a Welsh Universities RFC team which defeated the Combined Services Under 23’s by 27 points to nil at Cross Keys RFC on Sunday 24th February 2008.

rugby Leigh Hicks, studying Sports, Health and Exercise, Patrick Hughes, studying Fine Art and Steffan Phillips studying Theatr, Cerdd a'r Cyfryngau (Theatre Music and Media) represented Welsh universities in a spell binding game held at Cross Keys RFC.

The Universities team was disrupted by the late withdrawal through injury by back row players Justin Pakes and Guy Thompson (both UWIC) so a back row shuffle was needed with Mike Barber (UWIC) coming in on the open-side, Luke Allen (UWIC) moving up from the bench to the blindside and Luke Foot (UWIC) moving to number 8.

From the kick-off the Welsh Uni’s put pressure on the Combined Services defence who, with only 1 minute on the clock, conceded a penalty which Tom Hancock (UWIC) converted (3-0). Combined Services started to build their attack but the Universities defence turned into attack and on 11 minutes left wing Matthew Nolan (Aberystwyth) went over for an unconverted try (8-0).

The game then flowed from end to end with both sides wanting to play some open rugby, but on 27 minutes the Universities put a fast flowing back move together with Johnny Wehbe (UWIC) racing down the left to give the final scoring pass to Matt McLean (UWIC) to go over in the corner. Tom Hancock converted (15-0).

Play continued at a fast and furious pace, and at the stroke of half-time, some concerted pressure in the Combined Services 22 saw live-wire scrum half Steffan Phillips (Trinity Carmarthen) dart over near the posts for a well deserved try. Again, Tom Hancock converted (22-0).

The second half saw some enterprise from both sides, with opportunities missed at either end. After 15 minutes the Universities then drove over the Services line with Mike Barber (UWIC) claiming the touchdown (27-0). This proved to be the only score of the second period.

The game ended with a 27-0 to the Welsh Universities, with both teams contributing to very enjoyable spectacle that was played in good spirit, which made the job of referee Phil Fear (WRU) an easy one.

Thanks go to Cross Keys RFC for hosting the match and to NuCom who sponsored the event.

Further Information

Gareth Cole Students’ Union President: 01267 676767

Eleri Beynon
Press Office
(01267) 676767
e.beynon@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk

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