After weeks of planning Rugby League was the winner.
Bath Rugby League raised a squad to play in the middle of the off season and University of Bath Broncos mustered a squad on the last Wednesday before heading home for Christmas. It is also a challenging time of year for them with assignment deadlines looming, but working together the two clubs pulled off the first ever annual challenge fixture.
The fixture was played at Trowbridge RFC, the fantastic Doric Park facilities in what was aptly named “Wednesday Night Lights” – Weds 12th Dec.
After a competitive first half when Bath Rugby League trailed 8-16, with an early score in the second meant the game was in the balance at 14-16, but University of Bath Broncos pulled away in the second period for a 14-48 victory.
A Bath Rugby League club spokesperson said
“Post match both clubs deemed the fixture to be a worthy exercise and are keen to repeat so at the very least an annual challenge fixture can be scheduled which in turn will help to strengthen the development of Rugby League in Bath and surrounding area.
I would like to thank Matchday Sponsor – Lawes Steel Fabrication and Match Ball Sponsor – Salters Garage for helping to make the game possible.
We would also like to thank Morgan Evans professional and Wales International Rugby League player for leading a joint coaching session in the lead up to the game and giving the lads the opportunity to play against him”.
Teams –
Bath Rugby League
Ryan Goodman
Kieran Broomsgrove
Jonny King
Jack Burnett
James Noott
Rob Sully
Morgan Lewis
Kieran Harvey
Tom Culshaw
Alex Dare M’Connell
Cian White
Michael Salter
Henry May
Dan Blake
Stevan Randall
Aaron Schofield
Scorers –
Tries: Ryan Goodman 2, Jack Burnett
Goals: Morgan Lewis
University of Bath Broncos
Jamie Wilkinson
Adam Cass
Tim Russell
Travis Talbot
Sam Shakespeare
Rory Hamilton
Rex Boulter
Hugo D’Unienville
Cooper Bent
Felix O’Keefe
Jenya Darby
Ben Lillistone
Hamish Fawcett
Sam Bullen
Daniel Barnard
David Goodson
Finn Canney
Morgan Evans
Scorers –
Tries: Rex Boulter 2, Hamish Fawcett, Sam Shakespeare 3, Tim Russell 3, Hugo D’Unienville
Goals: Rex Boulter 3
Ref: Malcolm Holmes