The first day of competition of varsity 2019 saw DMU rugby’s first team compete against UoL at Welford Road. The feeling was positive that DMU could give UoL a good game, getting closer than the 44-0
Once the men’s game kicked off the rain started coming down heavily with a swirling wind. The game started at a frantic pace form both sides. DMU

The UoL pack was effective, efficient and strong in their line outs all game and the first one was no different as they quickly formed a mall to go up against DMU. Soon after the first score of the game was made by UoL. The early scrums also showed the power of the UoL pack, comfortably driving the DMU pack backwards. Before half time, they scored 24 unanswered points, however on the stroke of half time Ben Pryor slotted a penalty to lessen the blow.

Changes were made at half time by DMU in hope of clawing some points back. The second half was started at similar pace to the first, both teams still trying to get an advantage. DMUs pack came back into the game as changes made the side more physical. An unlucky yellow for Lewis Stanhope meant that UoL had a one-man advantage However, UoL scored freely throughout the half and the man advantage did little to impact this.
The score flattered UoL as DMU competed throughout, but the class of the opponent meant that they were more clinical in and around the try line, the pack won most of the scrums and used the pace on the wings well. If DMU played like they did Wednesday, they will have no problem with staying up in the league when they face Aston next week. The cup final will be a great day out and will make a good season out of one that could have ended up a dismal one.

Photography by Kirsty Blackwell