Loughborough University progressed to the 1st round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup with victory over Featherstone Lions.

With both sides rusty from gaps in their seasons, the opening minutes were scrappy as both sides failed to make their moves stick on a greasy surface.

Stand-Off Nathan Walmsley opened the home side’s account after five minutes after backing himself for a final push to score in the left corner, converting his own try.

Half an hour passed as the two sides slugged it out before Nick Van Buuren nosed the students further ahead, with Wilson converting to take the half time score to 12-0.

With the weather deteriorating, Loughborough’s agility and fitness began to show over a weary Lions side with Lennon creeping over the line two minutes into the half.  

On the fifty minute mark, Simon Perry reached out to slam the ball down on the try line after a good forwards’ effort bought the home side field position, Walmsley converting.  

Ten minutes later, Perry again burst over from out wide, this time Walmsley was unable to add the extras.

The Lions attempts at a short kick offs were all dealt with superbly by the students and despite scrappy play, Aiden Pritchard managed to post a brace with touchdowns on 66 and 79 minutes both setting up easy for conversions for Walmsley to convert, leaving Featherstone stunned at the 38-0 scoreline.

Loughborough now face Kippax Knights on Saturday 22nd January, 1.30pm at Loughborough University.