Blues Brave Brookes Onslaught to Emerge Victorious

Following an extended break due to Christmas break and a snowy start to term, the Rugby League Blues were keen to make a return to the field. Local rivals, Oxford Brookes, were the opposition and after the previous fixture’s one point margin of victory, both teams believed they could walk away from Uni Parks with victory.

Oxford kicked off and relished the chance to defend against the Brookes attack. Forwards Luke Jagoe and Billy Saundry were up to the task with notable hits against Brookes’ dangerous ball carriers. Captain Hugo Fearon showed willingness to risk life and limb as he cracked his head open with his first tackle.

Blues delighted to have bashed Brookes

After several sets the Blues were in the Brookes half and were able to get the first try of the game. The ball was shipped out wide and Jack Barber was able to jink past the Brookes wingers and touch down in the corner. Jake Whittaker converted with aplomb despite swirling winds.

Brookes were lucky to level the scores as a fortunate bounce on the fifth tackle and a chip on by the chasing back meant the scores were leveled 6-6.

Barber once again put the Blues in front, capitalizing on the hard running of his Brasenose compatriot, Ben Claxton. Claxton cut through the Brookes line like a searing knife through margarine. After a quick pass away, Barber was once again able to run into the corner.

Winger Louie Perkins pumps iron in preparation for match.

Claxton would continue to torment Brookes. Jack Baker ran the ball close to the the try line before popping a pass to Claxton. After a mild fumble Claxton was able to recover and bundle himself over the line to make the score 18-6 at half time.

The second half was a much tougher affair as the slope and the wind were against Oxford. Brookes had witnessed an Oxford comeback in November and were determined to produce one of their own. The second half, however, proved itself to be a stalemate with only one try being scored. Brookes were able to capitalise on a fifth tackle kick and score under the posts.

The Blues were raring to go after bad weather had led to pitches like this.

The Blues, however, proved resilient enough in defence to hold out for the win. Blues Captain, Hugo Fearon, attributed the victory to the team’s desire underpinned by the rigorous fitness training the team had been through.

With the result bringing the Blues to the top of the table, the game against Exeter on Sunday could mean a historic year for the Blues.