BUCS success for Leeds Met rugby

A strong performance from Leeds Met's women's rugby team secured the BUCS Championship trophy at Twickenham on Wednesday.

The side, who were runners up in the past two finals defeated Exeter 34-5 in a thrilling encounter at a sunny Twickenham Stadium.
Leeds Met were the first out of the blocks winning a penalty in the first two minutes. The penalty was missed but only 60 seconds later Jana Evans touched down for Leeds Met's first try of the day. After some great work down the left wing it was Emily Ferry who doubled Leeds Met's advantage with a well taken try in the 10th minute, converted by Claire Garner.

Leeds Met's third try of the first half came in the 34th minute as, once again, Leeds Met broke down the wing, this time the right, with Rose Jay handing off three defenders to touch down in the corner.

The half time score was 17-0 and only two minutes into the second half Leeds Met extended the lead with a try from Claire Garner after some great work from Rose Jay. In the fifth minute of the second half England International, Emily Scarratt, added her name to the scoresheet with a superb solo try.

On the 61st minute Vicki Pinks took the score to 32-0 as Leeds Met started to run away with the game. Pinks span away from the last defender to touch down under the posts with Claire Garner converting. Exeter's Rebecca Roby was injured in an attempt to stop Pink's try which halted the play for five minutes. After the delay Exeter came into the game with some great quick passing and strong tackles. They pushed Leeds Met back to their own try line and would have been on the scoresheet but for a knock-on as the try looked likely.

In the next ten minutes Exeter tested Leeds Met's defence for prolonged periods with some strong play and good passing. They were rewarded when Donna Downes broke through the Leeds Met defence to score right under the posts, although the conversion was missed. The final whistle signalled the end of an intense game with Leeds Met, who lost this final last season to UWIC, taking home the silverware after a very strong and determined performance.

Leeds Met ended the BUCS season as Champions, Northern Premier League winners and unbeaten throughout the campaign.

View photos from yesterday's match

Match report courtesy of BUCS