Bloody Mary
MEN'S RUGBY 1STS
St. Mary’s Twickenham 21
Newcastle 6
Unfortunately, after a poor second half display, this will be the Royal Blues only trip to Twickenham this season. An evenly contested first half, with both fly-halfs slotting a penalty and a drop-goal a piece, ended at 6 – 6, and there were enough signs for the Blues to be positive about finishing the game off. The back row carried the ball doggedly, and the backs continually threatened. Ultimately, however, Newcastle did not leave their opponents 22 with points on enough occasions – although it was only a cruel bounce of the ball from a Bettesworth cross-field kick that denied either one of Trench or Shales an almost certain try. Furthermore, at key stages, mistakes gifted St. Mary’s valuable field position, and impetus.
Early in the second half, after a crude ‘headbutt’ on the bothersome Beale, Newcastle were handed the opportunity to take the game to their opponents. But a confrontational and aggressive Mary’s pack did not crumble despite Newcastle’s best efforts, and were spurred on by the setback, a pitch the size of a postage stamp, and a partisan home crowd. Consequentially, Newcastle were unable to generate any quality ball, and backs and forwards alike failed to set a platform suitable for the fast-paced and open game which they have enjoyed in the p
ast.
Both teams had opportunities to score, Newcastle being turned over with the try line desperately close, and bouncer-come-student, Stephen Trench, leapt to the Blues defence with a covering tackle born out of grit and determination the like of which has never been previously seen on the door of a well known night club in the Toon. As the game went on frustration built up, and Newcastle lost their spark, with the Mary’s ten outstanding in dictating the game with his boot and tempo. In the end, two lapses of concentration, followed by two well finished tries, put an end to the Blues’ dream.
It was a disappointing end for captain Rob Farenheim, and fellow leavers, who have contributed so much to the club over the years. Best wishes are echoed to all the players and coaches. Reflecting on the game afterwards, departing club secretary, John Pette, remarked, “Leavers should not be judged by this result only. The club has had fantastic success over recent years, thanks in large to the senior players in all four squads. And with so many good young players staying in the club, the future’s not orange, black, red, or any other colour – it’s Royal Blue.”
Over and Brum with
TABLETENNIS CLUB
Birmingham 7
Newcastle 10
The men’s tabletennis club travelled to the Midland’s to take on Birmingham, who were languishing bottom of the Premiership and still find themselves propping up the table, after Newcastle secured yet another victory to win the league in emphatic style. The University has enjoyed an unbeaten campaign and more silverware could well be on the horizon with the Semi Finals of the BUSA Championship still to come on Sunday.
Three players travelled to Birmingham, with Andrew Leighton, ex-Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme missing out leaving the duties to Andrew Wilson, Kevin Wilson and Alistair Cliffe.
Wilson managed a clean sweep winning all his four games, while fellow team mate and namesake Kevin Wilson won three out of his four outings. Cliffe enjoyed similar success also. Overall, Newcastle won 10-7 capping off a fine season, clearly one of the University’s strongest sporting areas, the future for tabletennis looks very bright indeed with even more silverware a likelihood considering the excellent form the club is in.
