Magdalene and Queens’ on promotion charge

Magdalene took another step towards promotion to Rugby’s Division 1 with a comprehensive victory over fellow contenders Fitzwilliam, while Queens’ defeat of Trinity Hall strengthens their chances of going up.

Fitzwilliam 10 – 24 Magdalene
Magdalene were often sloppy but eventually their power up front and clinical backs proved enough for a solid win.

Fitz began in the ascendancy, a single James Gillingham penalty scant reward for an opening twenty minutes in which they were often on top. They were made to pay when sustained pressure in the Fitz 22 brought Magdalene two tries before half-time.

First, speedster Angus Sanders crossed under the posts for his fifth try of the season. Then flanker Andy Clark finished off a well-worked overlap to give Magdalene a comfortable, if barely deserved, half-time lead of 12-3.

Stand-in fly-half Matt Jago began to control the game in the second half, with an effective kicking game pinning Fitz back in their own half for long periods. Fitz’s defence was again unable to cope with the Magdalene pack and gaps started to appear with increasing regularity.

No. 8 Luke Tyson, Magdalene captain for the day, scored first before Jago capped an impressive display by powering over from short-range and converting his own try.

A late try by Fitz’s outside centre Rob MacFarlane was just reward in a fiercely-contested game which was much closer than the scoreline may suggest.

After the game Tyson was pleased with his team’s performance, and said that they were looking forward to their fixture against Queens on the 3rd of December, which could go some way to decide who wins top spot in a tight division.

Other results in Divsion 2

Trinity Hall 19 – 37 Queens

Pembroke 50 – 0 Selwyn (by default)

Two teams will be promoted from Division 2 and two will be relegated.

Division 3

In the 2 pool divsion 3 system Robinson and Clare have already booked themselves into the ‘Promotion league’ which decides who will rise to Division 2 next year.

They will be joined by Emma and either Homerton or Sidney, who are currently tied on points with one game left.

All rests on the final round of games this week of the season in Division 3 Pool B in which Homerton will take on Churchill and Emma face Sidney.