NTU are about to face off against The University of Leeds to potentially win the Men’s Premier 1 league. The game is being played at Lady Bay on Wednesday 19 February at 14:00.
Over the academic year of 2018/2019, the NTU Men’s Rugby Union 1s struggled to find stability in the BUCS Super Rugby league, ending up in the Men’s Premier Division 1 for this academic year (2019/2020). With some fresh new players and new Head of Rugby David Ross, the team set out to embark on a season long campaign to climb back to the pinnacle of University Rugby. Currently the team sits on the top of the Men’s Premier division 1, and a win will see them victorious in the league, therefore getting the opportunity to take on the team who sit at the bottom of the Super Rugby League for a chance to take their place. As it stands the team who will take on the winners of the Men’s Premier league 1 is also undecided, however it is likely to be either Cardiff Men’s 1s or Northumbria Men’s 1s. Both of these sides are teams NTU managed to overcome last year in the Super league.
With everything to play for it is only Newcastle University who can take the top spot from NTU, however this is only possible if NTU lose or draw and Newcastle themselves can pull out a win. Newcastle have been on great form winning 10 of the 13 fixtures they have played, the same as NTU. The 3-point lead NTU currently have over them is a result of the additional points teams can score within the BUCS Rugby union scoring system. Teams earn an initial 4 points for a win, but an additional point is awarded for a side that scores 4 or more tries. Also, even in the case of a loss a point can be won if a game is lost but within 7 point of the winning team.
The Competition
So, who stands in the way of the boys in Pink? The University of Leeds Men’s 1s will be travelling down to Lady Bay to make a statement in the league, and potentially deny the title from NTU. The strong Leeds side has struggled to be competitive in the league so far only winning 4 of their current 13 fixtures, so they will be looking to end the season strongly.
| Position | Name | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Points |
| 1 | Nottingham Trent Men’s 1 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 53 |
| 2 | Newcastle Men’s 1 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 50 |
| 3 | Birmingham Men’s 1 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 42 |
| 4 | Nottingham Men’s 1 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 42 |
| 5 | Durham Men’s 2 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 28 |
| 6 | Leeds Men’s 1 | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 23 |
| 7 | Edinburgh Men’s 1 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 22 |
| 8 | Loughborough Men’s 2 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 21 |
By looking back at this season so far NTU do seem to be in a position where they can take the moment into their own hands pull out an all-important win.
NTU vs UoN 1s
Played away at the David Ross Centre, a large crowd gathered to support both sides in full force. One of the closets fixtures of the season but NTU pulled together a 29-27 victory not only wining the needed points, but also left the reigning champions of Nottingham. Is this a forecast of what is to come in Varsity?
NTU vs UoB 1s (Birmingham)
With the first fixture of the season over it was time for NTU to defend the sacred Lady Bay from the efforts of The University of Birmingham, despite a valiant effort from the team in scarlet NTU pulled out a huge 7 tries and ended the game convincingly with a 47-18 triumph.
NTU vs Durham 2s
2 wins in and NTU weren’t ready to let the ball stop rolling, although a close game NTU managed to secure a 31-27 win when travelling away.
NTU vs UoL 1s (Leeds)
Momentum was really building at this point, with 3 wins NTU were looking very competitive in the league and again travelled up north, where this time they took on The University of Leeds. Despite not having the strongest side out the game was close but another win for Trent 24-20
NTU vs Newcastle 1s
Looking back, this game could become incredibly important, Newcastle travelled down to NTU and managed to stop the winning streak with NTU Losing 20-28.
NTU vs UoE 1s (Edinburgh)
The boys did not let the prior games outcome put them off as they travelled up north once again on a long coach trip, to confidently handle a 26-15 win over Edinburgh. An amazing result which surely made the journey back down more enjoyable?
NTU vs Loughborough University 2s
The boys in pink glad for a game at home after travelling so far the game prior made yet another convincing victory, this time over Loughborough 47-15.
NTU vs UoN
After falling short to NTU at home the Team in Green would have hoped for a better result as they were dominated by NTU who got the win at a staggering 61-7. Who’s excited for varsity now?
NTU vs UoB 1s
Another away game and another win 31-19.
NTU vs Durham University 1s
Sadly, Durham were able to march into Lady Bay and steal a win off NTU handing them their second loss of the season, although it was very close 19-21.
NTU vs Newcastle University 1s
With something to prove themselves this time NTU travelled up to Newcastle, unfortunately they were unable to get a win meaning they had lost back to back games. The game was very close and a real battle but ended 15-19.
NTU vs UoE 1s
Having taken their A game to Edinburgh and needing to win the rest of the games in the season the boys in pink dug deep and in the highest scoring win of the season sent Edinburgh home with a ridiculous 83-0 score line.
NTU vs Loughborough University 2s
The final away fixture and a huge win of 57-12
NTU vs UoL 1s (Leeds)
Having won 24-20 to Leeds prior, NTU look set to continue a strong set of results and finish their season at home in a must win game. A game we encourage you to go and watch to show some support and to hopefully see the NTU boys finish a league title campaign on a high.
Who is the coach?
Find out more about the man leading the charge!
https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2019/06/nottingham-rugby-welcomes-david-ross-as-new-backs-coach-and-head-of-rugby-at-ntu
Final thoughts
As game day approaches – Wednesday 19 February 14:00 – we hope to see as many of you as possible at the Bay to support the team, and wish those involved in the action good luck. Come on Trent! #ProudToBePink
The Team
1-15
1) Jake Diggin – Loose-head prop
2) Rob Makin – Hooker
3) Liam Bishop – Tight-head prop
4) Jacob Turner – Second row
5) Callum Allen – Second row
6) Joey Britton – Blind-side flanker
7) Jacob Wright – Open-side flanker
8) Scotty Hall – Number 8
9) Alex Crocker – Scrum-half
10) Matt Riddington – Fly Half
11) Harry Graham – Right Wing
12) Tom Miller – Inside centre
13) John Hargreaves – Outside centre
14) James Peachey – Left Wing
15) Ted Drayson – Full Back
16-22
16) Archie Holland
17) Ross Sinclair
18) Oli Bee
19) Josh Jordan
20) Ed Morgan
21) Theo Manihera
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