ELSEWHERE IN the IMG Rugby tournament Engin battled to a well-earned win over Law in the third/fourth place playoff whilst Bio Science grounded out a ferocious win in a close fought encounter with SAWSA.
The league has been a huge success at the end of a year when almost everyone involved in the tournament was resigned to there being yet another year without any formal competition.
Although the tournament had its flaws, namely the involvement of BUCS players for certain sides, James Lambden, Scott Pigott and Martin Fowler must take great credit for the completion of the shortened competition.
The final could perhaps have been a less one sided affair if one of the sides placed third or fourth had been competing against CARBS instead of a Pharmacy side that had sprung some surprising results in the group stage after recruiting several university 1st team players for two of their fixtures they were favourites to lose.
However, that fact should not detract from CARBS’ performance.
Throughout the tournament they looked the form team, brushing aside all but ENGIN after some questionable substitutions at half time proved costly for the eventual winners.
Now the challenge for next year’s organisers will be to create a championship that runs throughout the year, not merely after the BUCS season has finished. This will be difficult with the WRU’s unwillingness to designate referees to the tournament but all involved this season will hope that the issue can be resolved and that the tournament will continue to flourish.
