Rugby: UAL record crushing home win

by Conor Shiels

A chilly Wednesday afternoon at the Wasps training ground in Twyford Avenue set the scene for a 75-3 walk-over victory by the University of the Arts London (UAL) rugby squad against west London rivals Royal Holloway University.

Despite a delayed kick-off, Will Francis set the ball rolling for the Arts boys with a try four minutes into the match, this was then followed by a swift conversion by fly-half David Shelton.

Even though the Holloway men managed to score a drop goal three minutes later it was clear from the outset that the game was there for the taking for UAL.

UAL domination

Will Francis who delivered a star performance throughout managed to score a further five tries in the first half without reply from the opponents.

A number of reliable conversions from Shelton further securing the lead by the Arts students.

The second half provided little relief for the Royal Holloway squad despite what appeared to be an attempt to fight back in the opening minutes.

There was no hope as the UAL team managed to score a further barrage of tries thanks to Mitch Clare, Will Francis, Nigel Booth, Toby Frossell and team captain Knotie Lasouwannakul.

By the time referee Dave Garvey called full time it was clear that the Royal Holloway squad had long given up any hopes for victory, while a triumphant Arts team had almost lost count of their enormous lead.

Crushing victory

This left the University of the Arts London squad with a whopping 75 points to Royal Holloways less than impressive score of just three.

After the game, University of the Arts London Team Captain, Knotie Lasouwannakul said: “It was definitely the best game we’ve played all season. It helped a lot that we had Wednesday afternoon off so that we could field our strongest team. We are really happy with the result.”

This week’s win sees the University of the Arts London team in second place in the BUCS Rugby Union South Eastern Conference and marks their 8th win this season.