Wales Students deservedly won the SRL Regional Championships at Nottingham University defeating the holders North West in a tough and exciting final by 14 points to 13.
Containing only two members of last seasons British Championship winning team Wales once again rose to the occasion to win the tournament for the first time in their history.
Wales quickly gelled as a team and defeated a strong Yorkshire outfit 20 – 6 in the semi final. Strong defence and tries from scrum half Kristian Hawkes (Swansea U), centre Huw Thomas (Glamorgan U), a brace from winger Harry Mostyn (Loughborough U) and two conversions from Mark Wool (Leeds Met U) saw Wales home.
The final was to prove a nerve-jangling affair as both teams tore into each other with great passion and commitment.
Wales took the lead twice and opened the scoring when prop Tom Morgan (Loughborough U) scored an excellent, converted try from close range. Mark Wool scored Wales’s second converted try but two handling errors allowed the N.West to level the scores on each occasion.
With the scores locked at 12 -12 North West half back Dibley dropped a goal to put his team 13- 12 up with minutes remaining.
However Wales manfully stuck to their task and showed ‘a never say die attitude.’ After forcing a goal line drop out
Wales were awarded a penalty for interference at the play the ball and Mark Wool held his nerve to slot a 40 metre penalty goal with almost the last kick of the game. A 14 -13 win for Wales and the celebrations began!
This is a great result and boost for the team and indeed the Student game in Wales. The players can be proud of their efforts and everyone played their part in this historic win.
After competing in this weekends Cheltenham 9’s Festival, Wales begin their preparations for the defence of their four nations trophy in Ireland in July.
A delighted Clive Griffiths said “This was a real team effort, a great win for us and I am so proud of all the lads. They have worked hard and travelled long distances to prepare for this competition. It will give the team great confidence and we now look forward to defending our British title in July.”
Regional Squad:
Josh Davies (UWIC)
Harry Mostyn (Loughborough)
Dave Hampton (UWIC)
Huw Thomas (Glamorgan)
Danny Thomas (Leeds Met)
Mark Wool (Leeds Met)
Kristian Hawkes (Swansea)
Tom Morgan (Loughborough)
Owain Griffiths (Leeds Met)
Angus Nixon (Glamorgan)
Steve Hall (Loughborough) (Captain)
Mitch Quoi (Glamorgan)
Adam Ramsden (Leeds Met)
Dan Wright (Bangor)
Max Bracken (Bangor)
James Charleson (Swansea)
Alex James (Loughborough)
Izaak Duffy (UWIC)
Dermott Dooley (Swansea)
Matthew Cuss (Exeter)