Cambridge’s 1923 Academy side came away from defeat against a tremendous Rams U23 side at Grange Road with much credit in an entertaining 19-35 loss. Josh Sharp’s charges were almost to a man under the age of 20 and played some superb running rugby, snatching 3 tries in transition against their more experienced opponents in a display that bodes well for the future.
Cambridge’s youngsters were on top early doors – and opened the scoring around the end of the first quarter with Bradley McKenna scorching for the try. Will Howes was wayward off the tee. Rams fought back but in their eagerness to get over the home line a careless pop pass was intercepted for Cambridge to go coast-to-coast, with McKenna again touching down for Howes to add the extras.
The visitors finished the first half the stronger, touching down twice. the first under the sticks was converted for 12-7. The second, out wide on the stroke of half-time, was converted by the Rams ten with aplomb and they went into the break 12-14 ahead before starting the second half with a bang and another touchdown under the posts, with the extras added once more.
Rams added another two to their total,both converted, but the persistence of the 1923s pack led to Callum Hirst picking up off the back of the scrum to force his way over for a Cambridge third for a final score of 19-35.
Sharp was pleased despite the scoreline, saying “The result wasn’t what we wanted, but we have to remember the point of the 1923 programme and the long-term big picture. We’ll focus on getting those extra 1 per cents, incremental gains, to get better in every facet of our game. It was another battle, and I’m always proud of what we achieved. We scored three tries in transition against a well-drilled, physical side and we’re learning to dig deep.”
Cambridge 1923 Academy
Brech, Sawtel, Reeves, Hubbard, McKenna, Howes, Sandercock; Barry, Bellamy (C), Masoe, Hirst, Jassies, White, Pemberton, Wood
Reinforcements
Plunkett, Marsters, Singleton, Foy, Hall, Degui