It's All Academic For Argaum

The Chiefs should have been starting their defence of the Lockie Cup against Marjons II, however when those opponents withdrew, a team from the other academic institution in the city stepped into their place. Tom Richards and Wayne Liddle took the side in the absence of coach Dave Sansom who took the opportunity of a week off from league rugby to run the rule over future opponents. Tom Riley came into the side whilst Paul Ansell started on the bench. If the team was disappointed by the prospect of a playing a friendly in place of a cup match they certainly hid it and continued their fine recent form from the off. Playing down the slope there were early tries from Mason Edwards, Mike Hunt and Jake Turfrey within the first quarter, two of which were converted by Turfrey. Whilst Paul Ansell and Tom Richards normally share the kicking duties for the Chiefs, Turfrey showed that he is an able deputy, displaying the sort of accuracy that made him a prolific points scorer in colts rugby. Thereafter the home side struggled to make the most of their opportunities due to one or two handling errors, however they finished the half strongly and eventually put right wing Kal Bloomfield into space to sprint in for a try in the corner. With Turfrey converting the score at the interval was 26-0, an identical score to the Wanderers match which had taken its half time break minutes earlier.
A decent crowd had turned up at Bickleigh Down for this double home fixture, including a number of the under 16 side, and they didn't have to wait long for the first score in the second half when Mason Edwards grabbed his second try of the day which was converted. The Chiefs showed they pace on both wings when Tom Riley was put on on the left flank to sprint in from 40 metres, Turfrey again adding the extras. The University side had some talented players themselves, being watched by 'Selection' for their all-important Wednesday fixtures, and didn't let their heads go down. Their spirit paid off when eventually they were able to use the slope to their advantage to run in a deserved try. Perhaps this was a spur to the home side to renew their efforts and finish the game in style. This they did, firstly through Ellery Jones who showed the value of a good poaching scrum half to pounce on a loose ball from a few metres out. The scoring was completed when number 8 Mike Hunt finished off a fine move to bring up the half century, Turfrey making sure that the Argaum scoring was even in both halves with his final conversion to put the seal on a 52-5 win.
Credit has to go to Argaum's pack, who employing the classic tactics against a free-running student side, dominated up front and disrupted the small amount of possession they did have. Whilst a few chances may have been squandered, the match was won with some ease, the sign of a good side enjoying its rugby.