RFA v BUCS
Cambridge, 9th March 2014
Some 47 years ago, the first match between the Universities and the Rugby Fives Association took place at the old Cambridge courts in Portugal Place, writes David Gardner. It was, therefore, fitting that this year the match was played on the brand new spectacular glass back walled courts at the new Sports Centre in Cambridge.
A small reception was held prior to the match for guests and players which then transferred to the viewing area by the courts and provided continuous refreshment throughout the afternoon. Guests included the current RFA President, Bob Dolby; a number of Past Presidents and senior past players. It was worth noting that two of those present had played in the first match all those years ago - David Hebden as a student representing Cambridge, and myself playing for the RFA!
The match was initially well balanced with the students performing well in the Singles to take three out of the six matches and gain lots of points in those that they lost - ending with a nine point advantage - not really enough as the RFA traditionally pull back throughout the Doubles.
This proved to be the case, however it was close, and after the first round of the doubles BUCS still held a narrow five point lead, and even after the second round of matches the students only had a twelve point deficit after nearly three hundred points had been played ! Experience and pressure finally told in the final round, however, when the RFA comfortably demolished the students to take an overall victory by 230 points to 172.
The BUCS team, however, gave good account of themselves against a team that contained two former N/national Singles Champions; and the current N/national Doubles title holder. Our thanks are due to Cambridge for hosting the match and to the RFA for looking after the players and guests.
SCORES
Singles
(BUCS names first): D Grant (UCL) bt C Brooks (RFA) 16-15; E Kay (Cambridge) bt M Cavanagh (RFA) 15-7; I Ackland (Bristol) lost to H Buchanan (RFA) 10-15; J Aquilina (Durham) lost to C Burrows (RFA) 14-16; J Brubert (Cambridge) lost to J Tilston (RFA) 12-15; S Rolls (Bristol) bt J Marshall (RFA) 15-5
Doubles
Kay & Brubert bt Buchanan & Burrows 15-8; lost to Marshall & Tilston 6-15; lost to Brooks & Cavanagh 4-15, 0-15.
Ackland & Rolls lost to Marshall & Tilston 10-15; lost to Brooks & Cavanagh 0-15; lost to Buchanan & Burrows 2-15, 10-15.
Grant & Aquilina lost to Brooks & Cavanagh 9-15; bt Buchanan & Burrows 15-8; lost to Marshall & Tilston 4-15, 15-6
RESULT: RFA bt BUCS by 230 points to 172