URN

After a great performance at Meadow Lane, University of Nottingham’s Rugby squad can feel very satisfied when they look back on Thursday’s 18-7 victory over Trent. This year’s PASIC Varsity series now stands at 7-6 in Uni’s favour; owing largely to some solid defending and great offensive raids into Trent’s half, which often resulted in vital points. Trent battled hard and were within yards of scoring more than their solitary converted penalty try on numerous occasions. However, the better defense won the game, despite the formbook suggesting Trent would be slight favourites at the start of the match.

It was Trent who had the first opportunity to get on the scoreboard, but their missed penalty kick just a few minutes in was capitalised on almost immediately at the other end of the pitch, with Dave Heads kicking over from about 30 yards. Dave Heads looking impressive tonight. The opening exchanges saw most of the ball in Uni’s half yet Trent failed to make anything of their territory; a lot of mistakes from both teams made for some slow ball and a lot of penalties awarded by an over-eager referee.

The University of Nottingham defeated Nottingham Trent University in a gripping 2-1 extra-time win on Monday night. A 97th minute Jake Furman strike secured the game for UoN, after Chris Plummer had put them in the lead in the first half. A last gasp Trent equaliser had sent the game to extra time, but UoN’s grit and determination shone through in a close affair.

UoN lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, with their desire to keep hold of the ball in midfield and use the width evident. It was a scrappy opening, as would perhaps be expected in such a fierce rivalry, with neither time creating any clear cut chances in the opening fifteen minutes.

An intense atmosphere created by the crowd, set the tone for the game, with early challenges flying in as both teams struggled to show their passing qualities. Jake Furman, younger brother of Oldham player Dean, picked up a yellow card in the opening ten minutes for UoN after a rash challenge, with a couple of Trent players nursing minor knocks.

It was Trent who perhaps made the brighter start, penning UoN in their own half with long-ball tactics; and a goalmouth scramble fifteen minutes in had to be frantically cleared for a corner, the UoN defence slightly rattled at the pace at which Trent had begun the game.

The University of Nottingham Women saw their varsity dream end at the hands of a penalty shootout after a battling display against their Nottingham Trent counterparts.

UoN looked to be heading for their first defeat of the season, until Sammy Conroy’s spectacular late equaliser meant that Women’s Varsity Football 2011 would be settled on penalties; where Trent were able to handle the pressure and retain their varsity crown.

Despite their hugely successful season, UoN still went into the game as underdogs, as was reflected in their 4-1-4-1 formation, but they were certainly not overpowered. In the opening stages at Meadow Lane both teams looked nervous and neither could gain control on a pitch suffering the consequences of an early downpour.

After a tense opening with few chances created, Trent came closest to taking the lead. A long range effort from Lauren Plummer appeared to catch everyone off guard, including UoN keeper Rachel Aldred, who was relieved to see the ball rebound from the crossbar.

UoN heeded the warning signs and responded by creating the best chance of a tight first half. Captain Stephanie Smith found space and in midfield and played a delightful ball to put Anna Mawston clear of the Trent defence, but Mawston could only put her shot well wide of the target.

Nottingham Uni Rugby Club will be looking to avenge last year’s shock defeat as they take to the field to against Nottingham Trent at Meadow Lane on Thursday.

After the football on Monday night the P.A.S.I.C. Varsity Charity Series now stands at 6-5, meaning two more wins for either side will mark the winners of the 2011 Varsity trophy.

Thursday is therefore a big evening for this year’s series. When the men take to the field after the women’s match then, they could hugely influence at which end of Derby Road the trophy will be for the next year.

Uni have had a questionable season seeing them finish bottom of the top division (won two, lost ten) whilst Trent have stormed the league below (won eleven lost three) in a reverse of last season’s performances.

Both squads will be refreshed though by the break since the end of the BUCS season, but Uni will be further bolstered by introducing some second team players who are well versed in playing Trent this season having finished in the same league, despite losing to the Polytenics twice.

After last year’s result and a resurgence from the Uni Varsity squads since going 4-1 behind back in March, no doubt NURFC will be raring to go for the huge fixture, if only as a break from revision!

Sam Chappell: Legendary organisational skills as kit sec having managed to get the kit just in time for the end of season.

George “AU” Bull: Applied for the army but unfortunately failed the IQ test leading them to question his involvement in higher education.

Luke “the Plumber” Murphy-Wooldridge”: A plastic paddy whose economic foresight saw him partake in a plumbers course to get by during the credit-crunch. Loves to chat.

William “Bill” Hill: Captain Fantastic who never fails to lead by example. Don’t mention his hairline.

Craig “Fridge” Innocent: The most cultured member of the team having never travelled abroad. The furthest he has been from home was Durham on an away trip. “They have a delightful cathedral” commented Craig on his return.

Alex “Peelos” Peel: Disgraced founder of NorthSoc, his membership has since been revoked after it transpired he is from London.

Jack “Lego” Wheeler: President of NURFC not much else to him...

Matt “the Chat” Humphreys: Sssssssnake in the grass, keep an eye on your girlfriend.

Elliot “Gayzelle” Lister-fell: Still gutted after coming third in a self proclaimed “two horse race” for President. Also an able lineout specialist which is hardly surprising as he is ½ inch off being a legal giant. Unfortunately not in proportion.