Rugby Medicals live to fight another day

Arriving late, the Medics had just 30 minutes on the pitch to warm up and shake off the long drive. On a clear but blustery day, both sides started the game cautiously, with tactical kicking featuring heavily in the opening exchanges. The medics, led from the front by stand-in captain Austin Dekker, grew in confidence as the first half developed, attacking with pace and power, getting wide in ever-increasing numbers. 

The Swansea backs, slick and skilful, also posed a regular threat, but fantastic cover defence from both sides kept the scores level until the half hour mark. Back-row cum centre Craig Nightingale made a superb initial break into the Swansea 22, with the Medic forwards working hard to win quick ruck ball, allowing mercurial fly-half Dan Neville to slip a pass to lock Rob Anderson to crash over from close range. Neville converted to give the Medics a 7-0 lead, which they held at the half. 

In the second period, Swansea came out flying, playing an attractive brand of expansive rugby, looking to score from every possession. But the Medics tackling was equal to it, and forced the opposition into several key turnovers as they became increasingly impatient. 

Fly-half Neville kicked a simple penalty to extend the lead to 10, after good work by the Medics backs forced Swansea onto the back foot. With a full half hour remaining, Swansea began to introduce several substitutes, adding size and experience in their front row. At this point, the home side began to exert their dominance at the set-piece, allowing plenty of clean ball for their dangerous backs. Wave after wave of the Swansea attack was contained due to more impressive defence from the visiting Medics. Freshers Steve Jordan, Ed Pickles and Matt Sarvesvaran racked up an impressive tackle count between them, while the rest of the pack worked tirelessly to repel the marauding Welshmen. 

The Medics kept Swansea scoreless until the 71st minute, when sustained pressure and quick handling led to a try out wide, expertly converted from the touchline by the Swansea fly-half. 

The final nine minutes were brutal, as the Medics fought to protect their line, barely escaping their half for the remainder of the game. The referees whistle was a welcome relief, with the Medics holding out for a tense 10-7 victory. A remarkable performance from the Medics, and a vital win against a very strong Swansea side, who played with great endeavour, but were guilty of sloppy finishing at key moments. Victorious, the Medics players descended on the hallowed Reynold’s Bar in Hammersmith to celebrate defeating the Welsh on their own turf. This result places the Medics in a good position for their final three BUSA battles, with survival now one step closer.