First 'Imperial Varsity' Rugby match proves a hit

The first "Imperial Varsity" Rugby match was held on Tuesday 28 January between Imperial 1st XV and Imperial Medicals 1st XV.

The first "Imperial Varsity" Rugby match was held on Tuesday 28 January between Imperial 1st XV and Imperial Medicals 1st XV at Richmond Athletic Association Rugby ground, organised for the Students Union by Oxfam who benefited from a proportion of the ticket sales income. Despite the biting wind and freezing cold temperatures, over 600 students packed into the Richmond ground, making this one of the most supported all-Imperial sporting events in recent years. The first half was very tight, with supporters from both sides extremely vocal in their encouragement. The well-organised Medics dominated every lineout and attempted to spread the play to their three-quarters as quickly as possible throughout the 40 minutes. Imperial's tactics were more about spoiling... the forwards dominated in the scrum and produced some excellent rucks and mauls.

On half an hour, the Medics picked up a loose ball midfield and quickly spread it to the centre, the Imperial defence looked clearly shaken and exposed. In dramatic one on one play, the Imperial full back had to make the challenge, doing so with aplomb and upending the stricken Medic. The "Oohs" could be heard back in South Ken!

Defence was suddenly turned to attack and it was Imperial who were on the charge, piling forward in numbers. Eventually, this attack was thwarted and stalemate resumed. The Medics missed two tricky penalties, as kicking proved very difficult in the teeth of the wind. With five minutes of the first half remaining Imperial were left with an opening on the right. With some neat interplay between the back row, and more solid pack work, Imperial were left only a few metres short of the Medics line. However, after a valiant drive forward by Imperial, the Medic scrum half forced his opposite number into touch and the danger was averted. Half time arrived with no score, and much needed refreshment was taken en masse amid some friendly rivalry.

After 15 minutes of the second half, the deadlock was broken. Play had broken down on the half way line, after Imperial had attempted to advance up their left side. The ball broke loose and was quickly retrieved by the Medics left wing on half way... with Imperial's three-quarters looking exposed, the race was on. With half a pitch to run and two defenders in close proximity... the Medic left wing flew cheetah-like to the line, as 300 plus Medics went crazy. The conversion attempt missed, Imperial tried in vain to raise their game but couldn't really threaten seriously. Soon the ball was spread to the same Medic left wing, following some fine play by the Medics fly -half, and the race was on again. This time the demoralised Imperial defence seemed to know there was nothing that they could do to catch him, and the game was won. Again the conversion was pulled wide, but no matter... the Medic crowd was in now in high spirits and good voice - the party had started.

In a final melee, a penalty was awarded to the already jubilant Medics, who scored with the last kick of the game, which ended to huge cheers from the Medics and left 300 glum looking Imperial students heading for the bar for a consolatory pint. The winning captain, Dimitri Amiras, was presented with the JPR Williams Trophy by Pro Rector (Education and Quality) Professor Rees Rawlings.

Final score:

IMPERIAL 1st XV 0
IMPERIAL MEDICALS 1st XV 13