Showing no signs of the four hour bus ride, BU came storming out at the first whistle. Despite the wet conditions, BU were able to employ their fast tempo and hit every ruck harder and faster than their opponents. A clever dummy run from scrum half James sent hooker Steve Zhu through an enormous gap to run 30 metres unopposed to the try line. Tristan slotted the conversion to give a deserved 7-0 lead.

The first half continued with BU dictating the game, edging the scrum and lineouts and stretching the defence on several occasions. After 23 minutes, pressure from the visitors resulted in a penalty for Tristan to stretch the lead.

A lack of concentration allowed St. Michael's to gain parity in the closing minutes of the first half but without converting it into points.

The second half saw St. Michael's step up the intensity, sensing perhaps they had underestimated their opponents. Handling became increasingly difficult and though not a pretty spectacle, the game was intense and extremely physical. St. Michael's threw everything they had at the BU defence but superb resilience, discipline, and sheer doggedness allowed BU to keep their second shut-out in a row and clinch a place in the Play-offs.

The game marked the best performance of the season by far and the players displayed a new level of belief and determination. Whilst we edged the home side in most departments, the young back row of Pete, 3Pete, and Joji were outstanding and put in a remarkable amount of work.

The B side continued their impressive run of victories, now five on the bounce as they overcame the home side 15-8. Tries from Matt, Kyle, and Josh helping us to a very satisfactory afternoon.

This weekend we face URI in the quarter final who won their group, it seems, at a canter.

Best regards,

Justin Evans