Derwent weather the storm to beat Alcuin

Alcuin 6 - 14 Derwent

In conditions marginally less malevolent than last year, Derwent mastered the weather and last fortnight's winners to beat Alcuin 14-6 in another hard-fought college rugby battle.

As against James, Alcuin began well, their improved drift defence panicking Derwent somewhat in the loose. Possession followed naturally from this, and again this was converted into points early on, with player/coach Paul Guest kicking Alcuin six points ahead after the first quarter of the game.

But although a third penalty just over half way proved too far from the posts to give Alcuin a more comfortable lead, Alcuin began to slacken their pace. With Derwent's resolve further bolstered when number 10 Pete McGarry slotted them a penalty of their own, the fightback was gathering momentum even before half-time.

After the break, Derwent set about battering Alcuin's defences, and made excellent ground very quickly. Camped in Alcuin's 10, slow ball play soon saw lock Jack Trewin score an invaluable try, though with the ball squirming away across the mud as it was touched down, Alcuin were left as frustrated as Derwent were jubilant.

Though unconverted, the try was a crucial blow to Alcuin's confidence, gaining the lead for Derwent and reminding the red and blacks of what they had failed to do themselves. Firmly on the back foot, Alcuin gave away myriad penalties, weakening their defence immeasurably. Derwent took advantage of this indiscipline, as McGarry kicked another three points, though with only one score dividing the teams, there was all to play for in the last twenty minutes.

After weathering more waves of Derwent attack, Alcuin rallied, second row Alex Smith particularly adept in the offload but ultimately it was Derwent who had the last laugh. When good pressure gave McGarry the opportunity for a drop-goal, he cheekily pinged it off the inside of the left upright to secure the game in the penultimate minute.

Overall, the standard of rugby was excellent, with the first two words from both Derwent captain Joe Rankin and his Alcuin counterpart Giles Raymond being, "Great game!"

With James-Derwent postponed to early next year, thoughts now turn to Alcuin President Paul Guest, currently hospitalised with suspected pneumonia, having played his heart out for his college. Such is the dedication to the cause of college rugby.

Full report to follow.

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