ENGIN Eat Their Carbs · Issue 870, by Charlie Woollcombe-Adams

Engin 24 – 5 CARBS

ENGIN CLINCHED the IMG Rugby Cup with an emphatic victory over a battling CARBS side.

The Tyn-y-Wern pitches played host to an intense game of rugby between two highly renowned IMG teams.

Missing their captain Karl de Gelas, ENGIN had a shaky and somewhat uninspired start. It was not long before the dangerous pace of CARBS’ backs began to threaten Engin in their lethargic state and they broke through to record an early try.

Staring to warm up, Engin showed their superiority rucking despite the apparent weight disadvantage. This allowed Richard Andrews to supply to his backs in style. Receiving the ball after some good play, winger Jonny Evans slipped behind the enemy’s line and ran beneath the posts to score Engin’s first try of the game. The mesmerising boot of Aki Davies duly converted.

The referee was professional and fair, quickly bringing some CARBS players into order after some risky challenges. The CARBS defence responded to Engin’s period of attacking play by pushing their defence up. However, Harri Phillips thought quickly and chipped the ball over the advancing wall, scoring Engin’s second converted try in spectacular fashion.

It became apparent that CARBS were competing well in line outs as well as in the backs. Having been untouchable throughout the season, the technical qualities of Engin players Sam Jeffries, Tom McLintock and James Lander were being defeated by CARBS’ high flyers.

By the time half-time arrived the tally of injuries had risen after some strong challenges over the course of the game.

The Engin team continued their onslaught in the second half. Jack Bruce and Ollie Yaroshevych valiantly made them some ground with their straight angles of running.

And doing what he does best, James Chisholm crashed through to score a well-deserved third try for ENGIN.

The relentless spirit and drive of ENGIN had grinded CARBS down, but some vengeful runs and stunning kicks from the CARBS fullback kept them afloat.

However, one such kick entered the safe hands of Dan Jones who challenged the full back with a mightier hoof. After a textbook run down from Jonny Evans, and a well organised overlap, James Beltrami glided over the try line. This was the final nail in the coffin for CARBS, and ENGIN secured a convincing 24 – 5 victory.

IMG Rugby Union league was unfortunately abolished this year. However, the players of the eight IMG teams have continued to pursue the sport that they love without the competition. Their enthusiasm was rewarded with an end of season tournament in which the talent of the IMG players was on show for all to see.

Praise must be given to all the captains and their committee members, whose perseverance has ensured a superb season, the survival of IMG Rugby Union, and hopefully many more superb seasons to come.