UCLan 1sts 32-16 Liverpool JMU 1sts

Table-toppers UCLan Rugby League Men’s 1sts, maintained their 100% record with a 32-16 victory over Liverpool John Moores 1sts.

In a cagey opening 20 minutes the visitors seemed the more dangerous of the two sides, but UCLan’s defence though weathered the storm and held up under pressure.

A try was needed to settle the home sides nerves, and Kurtis Mash delivered right on cue with two in quick succession.

The first came as a result of an interception that saw him race the length of the pitch before touching down, and the second was a demonstration of intense pressure paying off with Mash crossing the whitewash in the corner.

Mash then turned provider for Ryan Cosgrove, who went over under the posts and converted his own try to put UCLan 14-0 up at the break.

The second half started where the first left off with Jordan Melling stretching his sides’ lead, with Cosgrove again adding the extras.

John Moores then fought back with a try of their own, before Paul Lowery broke through an increasingly lax defence to score his sides fifth with Cosgrove again doing the job with the boot.

The visitors then came out fighting as they touched down twice late on to plant seeds of doubt in UCLan minds, but it was all too little too late.

In the last play of the game Jonathon Peers intercepted and drove down field, before off loading to Dan Kersley who sealed the victory.  Cosgrove converted to seal the 32-16 win.

After the game Captain Paul Lowery said: “It’s another win, four out of four and we’re still top of the League.

“It was a good team performance but we’ve still a lot to improve. We’re still winning and battering teams and we’ve not hit top form, when we do we’re hoping to kick on and win the league.”

By Craig Davies

UCLan Rugby League comfortably defeated Leeds 1sts by 36-10 in an impressive display.

The home side capitalised on handling errors from Leeds to control proceedings early on, ensuring that they were the more dangerous side.  It didn’t take long for the breakthrough to arrive as Chris Hamnett forced the ball over and Ryan Cosgrove converted.

Leeds first foray deep into home territory saw a minor fracas following two heavy tackles after an interception.  They then broke UCLan’s defensive line and went over to leave the score at 6-4 with the conversion missed.

But UCLan took a deserved lead into the break when Paul Lowery benefitted from a poor kick to sprint over.  Cosgrove kicked accurately to leave the half-time score 12-4.

Leeds dominated the start of the second half, but were repeatedly denied by an excellent UCLan defence.  However, they finally breached to make it 12-10.

UCLan, by all accounts, managed to impose their game on their opponent’s forwards-dominated approach to run in four tries.  Jonathon Peers, Daniel O’Brien, Ben Walters and Cosgrove all scored as Leeds were dazzled by some scintillating rugby.

Despite losing a man to the sin bin at the death, UCLan saw out the match with ease.

By Liam Geraghty

Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club has secured a two year sponsorship deal with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) for the 2009 and 2010 Super League seasons. Continue Reading