GLOUCESTERSHIRE returned to winning ways with a 33-16 win at ST MARY’S.

In a hard-fought clash the visitors hit the front after Matt Bradley followed up his own grubber kick to touch down following a period of sustained pressure, and the scrum-half duly tagged on the extras to give his side the lead.

The visitors increased their advantage as a neat off load from Dave Sanders was collected by man-of-the-match Nathan Rainer who sliced through the home defence from 60 metres out before producing a great off load to Sam Vaughan which resulted in Phil Cowburn crossing the whitewash.

The visitors continued to dominate and further tries to Rory Sharratt and Marcus Brown, plus another couple of Bradley goals meant it was 22-0 by half time.

However, inspired by prop Seb Ward, St Mary’s came out firing and were rewarded with an early try by Billy Driver which Luke Watling converted.

The Gloucestershire response was swift and a superb handling move finished with the impressive Liam Long going over out wide, whilst a magnificent touchline conversion from Bradley made it 28-6.

The lead was increased further when full back Lewis Warner scorched over from 25 metres out, although the hosts did not give up and cheered on by a large partisan crowd began to fight back.

They were rewarded when Louis Robinson broke clear to set up the field position and a high kick to the corner saw the ball break to Seb Ward who was rewarded for his efforts with the touchdown.

Watling goaled to make it 32-12 and the home fans had something to cheer on 65 minutes when Aston Dean concluded a move to reduce the deficit further.

With time running out the comeback was to prove in vain and a well taken drop goal from Bradley calmed any Gloucestershire nerves as they ran out 33-16 winners.

LEEDS MET CARNEGIE made it four wins from four with a 16-6 win at LOUGHBOROUGH.

The game – a repeat of last year’s Grand Final – was a closely fought affair and both sides look like they could be the teams to beat this season.

With nothing to choose between them the sides went in at half time with the game scoreless, before the hosts hit the front as the game entered the final quarter.

Tom Morgan was the man who grabbed the opening points and the boot of James Plumb made it 6-0 to Loughborough.

With a little over ten minutes left the champions knew they would have to dig deep and so they did.

Danny Jackson crossed for their first try and although the conversion was missed they were back in the contest.

With the clock ticking down Christian Duncan raced over to give them the lead for the first time and they were in no mood to let it slip as Jack Sampson and Jimmy Keinhorst ensured the points would head back up the M1.

A great second half performance from NORTHUMBRIA saw them return from EDGE HILL 34-14 winners.

The games was in the balance at the half way stage with the visitors 18-14 to the good, before second period efforts from Scott Elliot and a brace from Scott Whiteley sealed it.

Earlier Northumbria had posted tries through Will Bate (2) and Gary Sargent, whilst Chris Parker booted five goals from six attempts.

Edge Hill’s points came via tries to Richard McAlroy and two from John Pepe, whilst captain Simon Atherton kicked a goal.

The game between HULL and UCLAN was postponed.


For more information on Student Rugby League visit www.studentrl.com

RESULTS
Wednesday 9 November
Hull P v P UCLAN
Edge Hill 14 v 34 Northumbria
St Mary’s 16 v 33 Gloucestershire
Loughborough 6 v 16 Leeds Met Carnegie

FIXTURES
Wednesday 16 November
UCLAN v Leeds Met Carnegie
Edge Hill v St Mary’s
Northumbria v Gloucestershire
Loughborough v Hull