GLOUCESTERSHIRE returned to winning ways with a comfortable 38-12 success over NORTHUMBRIA.

After a couple of recent defeats the All Golds returned to form as they scored seven tries in a win that confirms their position in third place in the table.

Despite falling behind to any early Michael McDougall try the hosts hit back on the quarter-hour mark as centre Pat Evans touched down, and despite Matt Bradley missing the conversion he made no mistake with the next two as he improved scores from James Greene and James Gahan as the home side took control.

Northumbria did rally however and were rewarded with a Will Bate try, although order was soon restored as Gahan and stand-off Dave Sanders crossed for two more converted efforts to make it 28-8 by the break.

The second half proved to be a much more even battle as the visitors were first to provide the next points courtesy of a second from Bate.

However, that proved to be their last scoring act as Gloucestershire underlined their superiority with two more tries to James Walters and Yannick Parker to run out convincing winners.

In the days over encounter LOUGHBOROUGH strengthened their grip on second place as they ran out 52-10 winners at HULL.

With both sides weakened due to January exams, Loughborough’s strength in depth proved to be the major reason behind their success.

Lloyd Thomas and Chris Barrett both helped themselves to a brace each, whilst Nick Belshaw, Tom Morgan, Mark Wilson, Jordan Rahmen, Alex Andreoli and Calum McGee also got in on the scoring act as the side hit the half-century mark and confirmed a second place finish ahead of the play-offs.

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

RESULTS
Wednesday 25 January
St Mary’s w/o Edge Hill
Hull 10 v 52 Loughborough
Leeds Met w/o UCLAN
Gloucestershire 38 v 12 Northumbria

FIXTURES
Saturday 28 January
Hull v St Mary’s

Wednesday 1 February
Hull v UCLAN