Cambridge University RUFC produce resolute display to win against Steele Bodger XV at Grange Road

The bragging rights went the way of Cambridge University RUFC when they renewed their rivalry with a Steele Bodger XV.

Last Wednesday’s encounter at Grange Road was the 76th edition of the annual fixture – one that is regarded as being among the biggest after the Varsity Match.

And in front of yet another impressively-sized crowd, it was the Light Blues that triumphed by a margin of 34-28 – and in doing so they avenged the defeat of 12 months ago.

It was a resolute display from the students, who responded positively to numerous setbacks. After an attritional opening period, the two teams exchanged a couple of tries apiece. George Bland and Tim Andrew put Cambridge in front, but on each occasion the Steele Bodger XV responded with converted tries.

However, former Cambridge skipper Ben Gompels ensured that it would be his side that took an advantage into the break when he powered his way over the line in the 37th minute and while Jack Allinson was unable to make it three successful conversions, he atoned 60 seconds later with a penalty to extend the lead to 22-14.

Second-half tries from Will Edwards and former Light Blue Sean Ingle turned the scoreline on its head and looked to have earned the Bodgers another victory.

But with five minutes remaining a solo try from Nate Bottomley – converted by George Bland – wrestled back the ascendancy for Cambridge before Harry Jones pounced on a handling error to seal the victory.