Carnegie Champion Colleges Final
10th of May 2012
Hopwood Hall 16
Wakefield College 30
By Abdus Miah
Two tries in quick succession and a solid defence helped Wakefield to a relatively comfortable win in the Carnegie Champion Colleges Final.
Both teams were evenly matched throughout the game but Wakefield were more clinical in crossing the line. The match was plagued with handling errors from both sets of players caused mainly by the heavy tackling but also in small part to the downpour of rain.
The first half was tight and ended 10-10. The early stage of the second half proved to be decisive. Wakefield ran in three tries to take the score to 26-10 and give them a safe lead. Two from Joe Bachelor sandwiched a brilliant solo effort from Jamie Crowther.
The Impressive Liam Whalley replied for Hopwood to reduce the deficit but Wakefield’s stubborn defence meant that they could not add further points. Crowther scored his second of the game late on to restore the big margin. Crowther said after the game, “I’m happy to contribute. The hard work put in by the team throughout the year pays off.”
In contrast, Whalley attributes nerves to being the reason why Hopwood have lost two years in a row at the hands of the same opponents. “I think we were all pretty nervous after last year.”
In the end, Wakefield ran out convincing 30-16 winners and man of the match Harry Carter was delighted. “I’m very pleased; it’s massive as a player and for the college. We won last year and were determined to do it again.”
The game was a great spectacle and a great finale which was closely fought. Wakefield ultimately had a firmer defence and that extra spark in attack.
Wakefield College 30
By Abdus Miah
Two tries in quick succession and a solid defence helped Wakefield to a relatively comfortable win in the Carnegie Champion Colleges Final.
Both teams were evenly matched throughout the game but Wakefield were more clinical in crossing the line. The match was plagued with handling errors from both sets of players caused mainly by the heavy tackling but also in small part to the downpour of rain.
The first half was tight and ended 10-10. The early stage of the second half proved to be decisive. Wakefield ran in three tries to take the score to 26-10 and give them a safe lead. Two from Joe Bachelor sandwiched a brilliant solo effort from Jamie Crowther.
The Impressive Liam Whalley replied for Hopwood to reduce the deficit but Wakefield’s stubborn defence meant that they could not add further points. Crowther scored his second of the game late on to restore the big margin. Crowther said after the game, “I’m happy to contribute. The hard work put in by the team throughout the year pays off.”
In contrast, Whalley attributes nerves to being the reason why Hopwood have lost two years in a row at the hands of the same opponents. “I think we were all pretty nervous after last year.”
In the end, Wakefield ran out convincing 30-16 winners and man of the match Harry Carter was delighted. “I’m very pleased; it’s massive as a player and for the college. We won last year and were determined to do it again.”
The game was a great spectacle and a great finale which was closely fought. Wakefield ultimately had a firmer defence and that extra spark in attack.
