2014 HOUSE RUGBY FINAL REPORT SEDGWICK V EVANS

The 2014 House Rugby Final was played between current holders Sedgwick House and Evans House in what proved to be an outstanding spectacle on Powell Pitch.

Straight from the kick-off both sides showed their intent by playing an attacking brand of rugby, complemented by a physical edge that had seen them comfortably win their respective groups in the earlier rounds.

Evans House was the first team to register points on the board, converting a penalty to take a 3 – 0 nil lead after ten minutes of play. Sedgwick then replied with a penalty of their own when Oli Robinson levelled the score up at 3 points apiece after a very even first 20 minute period. The first try of the match went to Evans after some brilliant lead up play led to centre Aaron Lau crossing the line untouched in a great move that split open the Sedgwick defence giving them an 8 – 3 lead with Half Time fast approaching.

Going into the Second Half, Sedgwick knew scoring early points would be crucial if they were to retain the title they won so convincingly last season. With 20 minutes left to play, they got their wish when they provided the score of match when Jack Solman recovered a kick from his own half and of- loaded to the outstanding Robinson who sprinted 50 metres to score an excellent try that had both sets of supporters on their feet. Robinson then converted to give Sedgwick the lead 10 points to 8. Evans then sprung into life with ten minutes remaining as their superior fitness and offloading game punished Sedgwick.

This resulted in a crucial score to re-take the lead 13 points to 8. Straight from the next kick-off Evans again made inroads into the defence which gave them vital field position with time beginning to run out on the clock. The last try of the match was again scored by Evans after a string of phases saw them cross over from a short distance and give them an unassailable 18 points to 10 lead and a well-deserved victory.

This match was played in a fantastic spirit and all of the players and houses involved should be very proud of what they have achieved. A great encounter between two very good sides.