After a closely fought encounter earlier in the season many were expecting this encounter between second and third to be just the same, however, the hosts produced a powerful display to underline their championship credentials.

It took them just three minutes to open their account as good work from centre Will Collins allowed his winger Richard Hawley to cross for the first points, and with James Plumb goaling it was 6-0.

That lead was extended just seven minute later as Chris Marshall raced in and despite the efforts of Gloucestershire full-back Phil Cowburn the home side could not be contained.

Plumb was the next name on the scorers list and he was soon followed over by Collins and Mark Wilson as Loughborough took full control with a 26-0 half time lead.

The second period started in much the same fashion as Plum converted a Tom Hughes try, although to their credit the visitors worked hard and hit back with two well-taken scores of their own.

Firstly the outstanding James Gahan went in following good work from Cowburn, before a super long-range effort from James Walter was improved by Matt Bradley.

However, it was to be Loughborough’s day as Collins and Hawley completed their braces and Antony Squires also helped himself to a four-pointer, and despite Jordan Rice having the last word it was the midlands side who went home happiest.

LEEDS MET CARNEGIE made it nine straight wins with a 64-10 win at UCLAN.

The champions show no sign of letting up in trying to regain their crown and easily out-played a UCLAN side that is still searching for its first win of the campaign.

Danny Edmondson, Ben Tiers and Scott Elden led the way with two tries each, whilst the boot of Nathan Fozzard and Mark Wool contributed nine conversions.

The result was never in doubt as the visitors raced into a 28-4 advantage.

Other tries for the victorious side came from Owain Griffiths, Jack Francis, Dave Palmer, Josh Milne and Dale Patterson.

Liam Wiggins grabbed both consolation tries for the hosts, whilst Mark Lees tagged on a conversion.

For more information on the student game visit www.studentrl.com

RESULTS
Wednesday 18 January
UCLAN 10 v 64 Leeds Met
Loughborough 48 v 14 Gloucestershire

FIXTURES
Wednesday 25 January
St Mary’s v Edge Hill
Hull v Loughborough
Leeds Met v UCLAN
Gloucestershire v Northumbria