Northumbria University and The University of Nottingham claimed the two national titles on offer as Rugby League took its place at BUCS Big Wednesday, hosted at The University of Bath, this week.
A healthy crowd cheered on the 'home' side, but it was Nottingham who claimed the spoils, picking up the BUCS Trophy for the second-successive year, in the first of a double-header.
Bath enjoyed a perfect start as Liam Cashman thundered over, Rex Boulter adding the two, but Harry Lyon's unconverted try brought Nottingham back into the game.
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
Try!
Liam Cashman opens the scoring for @UniofBath! pic.twitter.com/aBIOpxxyf1
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
👊🏉
Ciaran Dean can't convert...@UniofBath 6-4 @UniofNottingham pic.twitter.com/6ULr0adzT8
Dan Crabtree's try on the stroke of half time then handed Notts an 8-6 interval lead.
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
This lot are loving it as Notts go ahead for the first time!@UniofBath 6-8 @UniofNottingham pic.twitter.com/rXnov3kGja
There was no change to the score until mid-way throguh the second period, with Notts pulling off a remarkable period of defence on their own line, before Man of the Match Adam Simm stormed downfield to hand his side a 12-6 lead.
Big, noisy crowd enjoying muddy #rugbyleague Trophy final between @UoBathRL and @UniofNottingham - second half coming up! #bucsbigwednesday pic.twitter.com/u7NF63X1LY
— Team Bath (@TeamBath) March 22, 2017
Dan Crabtree converted to make it 14-6 with ten minutes to play.
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
Some HUGE hits going in 👊@UniofBath 6-4 @UniofNottingham pic.twitter.com/J5d0FpO6gT
As the game wound down to the final whistle, Bath launched an attack down the left flank, as Kwame Kwassi latched on to a loose ball to go over, Rex Boulter with the extras which set up a dramatic finale.
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
Lucky, but they all count! pic.twitter.com/xd9HKCX8am
But Notts held on to claim the BUCS Trophy for the second-successive year. Relive the dramatic final seconds:
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
That winning moment! 👏🎉 pic.twitter.com/PaslzD4ijW
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
Time for a song 😃🎶
"Green and Gold!" @UniofNottingham @UniofNottsRL pic.twitter.com/yc0A2hZB7i
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
Man of the Match Adam Simm was muddy - but happy with his side's performance this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/ZefCUJK9Mx
#UniversityRL
— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017
Trophy time 🏆
Congrats, @UniofNottsRL! 👏 pic.twitter.com/jZ8CLyWNr3
Rugby League is played at Universities up and down the country. Find out more about playing opportunities near you by emailing players@rfl.co.uk.
