BUCS Trophy Final | University of Bath 12-14 University of Nottingham

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

Try!

Liam Cashman opens the scoring for @UniofBath! pic.twitter.com/aBIOpxxyf1

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

#UniversityRL

👊🏉

Ciaran Dean can't convert...@UniofBath 6-4 @UniofNottingham pic.twitter.com/6ULr0adzT8

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

Dan Crabtree's try on the stroke of half time then handed Notts an 8-6 interval lead.

#UniversityRL

This lot are loving it as Notts go ahead for the first time!@UniofBath 6-8 @UniofNottingham pic.twitter.com/rXnov3kGja

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

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

Some HUGE hits going in 👊@UniofBath 6-4 @UniofNottingham pic.twitter.com/J5d0FpO6gT

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

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

Lucky, but they all count! pic.twitter.com/xd9HKCX8am

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

But Notts held on to claim the BUCS Trophy for the second-successive year. Relive the dramatic final seconds:

#UniversityRL

That winning moment! 👏🎉 pic.twitter.com/PaslzD4ijW

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

#UniversityRL

Time for a song 😃🎶

"Green and Gold!" @UniofNottingham @UniofNottsRL pic.twitter.com/yc0A2hZB7i

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

#UniversityRL

Man of the Match Adam Simm was muddy - but happy with his side's performance this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/ZefCUJK9Mx

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

#UniversityRL

Trophy time 🏆

Congrats, @UniofNottsRL! 👏 pic.twitter.com/jZ8CLyWNr3

— The RFL (@TheRFL) March 22, 2017

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.