Within six minutes of kick off, RUMS had already scored an, albeit messy, try; the rugby ball was pounced on past the try line more so than being firmly grounded.
The first 30 minutes of play saw a three-pass, football-inspired kick amongst the RUMS players, a rugby ball being kicked onto the roof of the stand, and a stray GKT player’s shoe from an overly intense scrum.
RUMS did appear to struggle with controlled passing of the ball, with knock-ons and fumbles preventing consistent possession.
Nevertheless, though GKT appeared the faster cohort of players, they were unsuccessful in breaking through UCL’s strong defence for the majority of the first half. Despite RUMS’s try early on in the match having early promises of a high scoring game, the scoreboard remained 7-0 until the 37th minute.
However, GKT’s more consistent control of the ball was rewarded with two converted tries before the whistle blew for half time, leaving RUMS versus GKT 7-14 at half time.
Clearly the half-time talk worked, with the RUMS players exhibiting improved control of the ball and a more attacking energy when the second half began. Within three minutes of resuming play, RUMS’s full-back, Furukawa, was able to attain level scores.
Shortly after, RUMS’s winger, Lim, wanted to join the action and was able to follow up with another try.
As the clouds greyed and the heavens began to open, I could only assume that the medical teams were trying to generate kinetic energy so as to not be referred to a hypothermia recovery unit. A burst of energy in the last ten minutes saw an attempted drop kick from Lyons and scrappy tackles at the GKT try line.
Somewhat emulating England Rugby’s “Bomb squad”, a substitution to put a refreshed prop, Brook, proved valuable as he scored a try within minutes of his return to the pitch.
With minutes to go, RUMS were awarded a penalty and opted to kick for goal, which took them to a two-score lead of 8 points and put the game to bed. As the fly half, Lyons, attempted another goal kick, the whistle blew.
TeamUCL came out victorious.
Though history will say that London bleeds purple, those who went to the match know that Wanstead bleeds turquoise and canary yellow .