Players step up but handling errors prove costly as Leeds Beckett end Team Bath’s BUCS Super Rugby winning run
Team Bath men’s 1st XV may have seen their winning run come to an end at Leeds Beckett on Wednesday but there were still plenty of positives to take from the final BUCS Super Rugby game of 2018.
The Fulkers-sponsored Blue & Gold were without a number of players due to the Christmas break but those who stepped up from the 2nds contributed to a hard-fought contest that saw the visitors score three tries.
However, handling errors were to prove costly and Head of Rugby Aaron James said that Leeds were ultimately good value for their 36-18 victory.
“I thought Leeds Beckett’s defence was very good today and they definitely deserved the win in the end,” he said.
“Although it was a disappointing result, our boys showed a lot of heart and it was nice to see so many tep up from the 2nd XV and show what they can do in this tough league – I was really pleased with those guys in particular.”
An Alex Burrage penalty and Chris Barry try gave Team Bath an early lead but Leeds Beckett responded in kind and added a conversion to hold a narrow 10-8 advantage at the interval.
The second period was equally tight-fought but the visitors gifted Leeds Beckett numerous chances, including a charge down and an overthrow at the lineout, which they successfully capitalised on to pull away.
Team Bath created a number of threatening positions at the other end but could only take two of them, winger, Finn Murphy finishing off a well-worked backs move and substitute fresher Cameron Keys showing good strength to crash over the line from a few metres out.
The Blue & Gold, who are also supported by MJ Church, end 2018 fifth in the table but just nine points adrift of leaders Exeter. They return to action on January 30 when they visit league newcomers Cardiff University.
Meanwhile, Team Bath BUCS Super Rugby captain Tom Doughty and team-mates Jack Kenningham, Ed Rimmer and Will Partington have all been selected in the England Students training squad for 2019.
