With 2022 well underway and the weather beginning to take a turn for the better, the resumption of BUCS is not far away. For those involved at UoG Men’s Rugby, it is a chance to re-gain some momentum after a mixed first-half of the season.
Rugby Editor Sam Rhymes takes a look back at the season so far, and what is possible for the squad as they head into the business end of the season and begin to cast an eye on a highly anticipated Varsity clash with near neighbours Worcester.
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September:
The start of the University semester saw players from all four years gather for the first time at Plock Court under the guidance of veteran coaches Chris Downes and Ben Smith. An excellent intake of freshers gave a new lease of life to the club, as the more senior players within the squad returned after a summer of contemplating what could have been post-varsity heartbreak in the Spring.
There were no games during September, so it was a chance for newly appointed Club Captain George Sanderson and 1st XV Captain Lucas Town to bring all the players together and set out the objectives for the upcoming season in Western 2A.
With pre-season a short, sharp, gruelling affair, it was time to kick off the new campaign at home to Bristol University 2nd XV.
October:
The Blue’s produced a spirited late fightback against a strong Bristol side, but it was too little too late as they fell to a 28-19 defeat in front of a packed out Plock Court crowd. The biggest stand out from the game however was without doubt the devastating scrum of the hosts, anchored by front-rowers Andrew Robertson, Noah Jenkins and Calum Rivers-Coles. Maiden University tries for Louis Monk and Sam Rhymes brought the home side close, but the damage had already been done.

Next up was Southampton at home for Gloucestershire, another test for this developing side. The clinical attacking ability of their back-line, partnered with another dominant forward performance secured Gloucestershire a 43-27 as well as a try-bonus point to get them off the mark in BUCS.
Bath 3rd’s away was without doubt the toughest of tests for the team so far, and with a few injuries sustained the previous week, changes were enforced. It was a superb start to the game from the visitors, even with the departure of Lucas Town to a serious looking ankle injury. Ben Campion lit up the half with a dynamic performance from number-eight, and Joe Langbridge pulled the strings brilliantly from fly-half to guide the team to a 14-12 lead at the break.
The second half was a different story entirely as Bath flexed their muscles and ran away with the game to storm to a 50-14 victory.
November:
November saw two more clashes with rivals Bristol in both the League and Cup, either side of a date with Exeter at Topsham St. James.
Bristol emerged victorious in the Cup with a 35-14 win, but Chris Downes unearthed a new star in youngster Will Davies who’s outstanding performance both sides of the ball will live long in the memory.

Exeter 4ths awaited Gloucestershire the week after, and it was without doubt the performance of the season so far.
A last-gasp penalty from skipper George Sanderson sealed a memorable 26-29 win for the Blue’s, who came from behind multiple times in horrid conditions in Devon.
The next visit to Bristol was over on the boggier grass pitch, with several players again missing through injury, a valiant effort was made by all the players who went down 48-15 against a well-oiled Bristol outfit.
More miles were covered as the squad then travelled to Southampton for the return BUCS fixture, and a dazzling back three performance from Joe Langbridge, Kyran Dillon and Judah Vasu saw Gloucestershire sneak a stunning 45-38 thriller to end the month.
December:
The last game of the calendar year for the 1st XV saw them entertain Exeter 5ths back at Plock Court. A valiant away side effort pushed Sanderson’s men all the way, but Gloucester pulled away to secure a fourth league win of the season and head into Christmas sat third in the league, just four points behind second placed Bristol.

January:
The squad return to action at the end of January where they have a date with Exeter 5ths back down in Devon, before concluding the BUCS campaign with ties against Bath 3rds and Exeter 4ths.
There is still plenty to play for heading into the business end of the season, not least competition for places in the Varsity squad as the players look further ahead to a chance to reclaim the Varsity scalp they so desperately crave.